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Congress·In Committee·2 months ago

House Bill Would Guarantee Work Permits for DACA Recipients, Override Texas Court Rulings

Also known as: Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(2)
Unemployment Benefits
Neutral
Gig Worker
Neutral
Positive Impacts(6)
Immigrant
Helps
Child Tax Credit
Helps
Farmer Rancher
Helps
Housing Assistance
Helps
Renter
Helps
Homeowner
Helps

State Impacts

TexasTX
Mixed

The bill specifically points to past limits that blocked work authorization for some new DACA applicants in Texas. If enacted, Texas residents approved for DACA would have a clearer path to getting a work permit at the same time as DACA approval. Some Texans may view this as helpful for families and employers; others may oppose expanding work authorization.

Key Points

  • Gives the Homeland Security Department clear legal power to issue work permits to people approved under DACA.
  • Tries to override court rulings that have blocked or limited work permits for some new DACA applicants, including in Texas.
  • Requires work permits to be issued at the same time DACA deferred action is granted, including for first-time applicants who qualify.
  • Would start 90 days after the bill becomes law, which could quickly change who can legally work.
  • If it passes, employers would have clearer rules for hiring DACA recipients who have valid work authorization.
ImmigrationLabor Employment

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 23, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Dec 23, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

90 days after the bill is signed into law (if enacted)

Work authorization becomes required by law for anyone granted DACA (and new DACA approvals must include work authorization at the same time).

If you are approved for DACA, you should be able to get a work permit without being blocked by a court order that applies only in certain places.

Around the effective date and the weeks after

Homeland Security updates forms, instructions, and internal processing to issue work permits for first-time DACA grants nationwide.

Applicants should see clearer, more consistent steps and fewer location-based surprises about whether they can work.

Starting on the effective date

People in jurisdictions previously blocked from getting work permits as new DACA applicants can apply expecting work authorization if approved.

First-time applicants in places like Texas would have a better chance of getting lawful work permission tied to their DACA approval.

Related News

2 articles
Houston Chronicle·2 months ago

De La Cruz introduces bill to protect DACA work permits from court challenges

The Houston Chronicle reports that Rep. Monica De La Cruz introduced the Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act to give DHS clear legal power to issue work permits to DACA recipients, aiming to override Texas court rulings that have blocked new permits and created a 'confusing situation.'

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Border Report·2 months ago

South Texas congresswoman files bill to secure work permits for DACA recipients

Rep. Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act, which provides the Secretary of Homeland Security express authority to issue work documents to DACA recipients, ensuring uniformity across all states despite local court orders restricting the program.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Texas Dreamer Work Authorization Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 6922
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.