Need some help

I have a friend whose work authorization expired, and his work authorization is reliant on his DACA. His DACA expired 03-05-2022. What I am being told is that since his DACA has been expired for more than a year, when he applies it will count as an initial request, and initial requests are currently not being accepted. We are located in Texas if this is relevant. I would like to know what options we have to get him back to work, he has an important position at a well paying job and it is in jeopardy if he can’t come back in a timely manner. If anyone has had a similar experience I’d love to hear about it, and am wondering if it is realistic to get him back soon. Thanks all.