DACA remains legally fragile heading into 2026, with active federal court challenges threatening the program that roughly 18,000 to 22,000 New Jersey residents depend on. Renewals are still being processed for existing recipients, but new first-time applications remain blocked. Filing early – at least 150 days before expiration – is critical given processing times of 3 to 6 months in 2025. New Jersey offers meaningful state-level protections including in-state tuition, professional licensing access, and driver’s licenses for DACA holders. Common mistakes like late filing, using outdated forms, and missing RFE deadlines can result in gaps in work authorization. Renewing DACA does not prevent recipients from pursuing other immigration pathways simultaneously, and getting qualified legal guidance before filing significantly reduces the risk of preventable errors.