Featured Issue: Citizenship and Protections for Dreamers and Others Without Permanent Status
Many immigrants who lack permanent legal status have lived in the United States for years, investing in their communities and families, building businesses, and contributing billions to the economy. Polls show Americans support granting permanent legal status for unauthorized immigrants and people with temporary status. Four out of five (80%) of Americans support granting permanent legal status to Dreamers. AILA urges Congress to provide a path to citizenship for people who are undocumented or whose legal status is temporary.
On December 4, 2025, Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Murkowski (R-AK) reintroduced the Dream Act of 2025. In response, Executive Director Ben Johson said:
“At a time when immigration is often cast as a divisive issue, the American people are remarkably united: four out of five Americans believe Dreamers are part of the fabric of this nation and deserve a real path to citizenship. Congress and the President must seize this moment. Passing the Dream Act is not only the right thing to do; it is a critical first step toward providing long-overdue stability and dignity to people who have strengthened our communities and contributed to our country for years, yet still have no meaningful way to secure permanent legal status.”
AILA supports the following bills and urges Congress to introduce and enact them into law.
- The Dream Act of 2025 S.3348 - Durbin (D-IL) and Murkowski (R-AK)
- Read Senator Durbin’s press release on the bill’s reintroduction
- The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 H.R.1589 - Garcia (D-TX)
Protecting DACA and TPS Recipients
On June 15, 2012, DHS announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided temporary protection from deportation (deferred action) for certain undocumented youth. Since its creation, DACA has protected over 830,000 people who are valued members of our communities and contribute to the strength of the nation. From day one, the DACA program was challenged in court and still hangs in the balance. The President should defend and expand DACA and other legal pathways to protect Dreamers and other populations who still do not have permanent status.
AILA urges President Trump to use executive branch authorities to protect and expand legal pathways for undocumented immigrants, DACA and TPS recipients, and others with a temporary status.
Browse the Featured Issue: Citizenship and Protections for Dreamers and Others Without Permanent Status collection
Another Bipartisan Failure to Protect Dreamers
AILA issued a statement about how “Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, once again let politics take precedence over the lives of real people, and has squandered another opportunity to protect Dreamers.”
MPI Report – In the Age of Trump: Populist Backlash and Progressive Resistance Create Divergent State Immigrant Integration Contexts
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) provides a report that examines how policymakers beyond Washington are responding to the Trump administration’s rhetoric and actions on immigration, looking at how hotly contested policy debates are unfolding in the states.
AILA Quicktake #229: DACA Renewal Applications
As the federal government begins accepting DACA renewal applications following a federal court ruling, AILA Associate Director of Government Relations Kate Voigt shares what this means and how the Department of Justice’s appeal will impact the applications.
Justice Department Files Notice to Appeal and Intends to Petition for Immediate Supreme Court Review in DACA Lawsuit
DOJ filed a notice of appeal in The Regents of the University of California lawsuit seeking review before the Ninth Circuit. The Department also intends to take the rare step of filing a petition for a writ of certiorari before judgment, seeking direct review in the Supreme Court.
H.R. 4796: Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of 2018
On 1/16/18, Representatives Will Hurd (R-TX), Pete Aguilar (D-CA), and Jeff Denham (R-CA) introduced the USA Act of 2018 to protect DACA recipients from deportation, increase border security, fix delays in immigration courts, and limit migration from Central America.
USCIS Provides Information on DACA Requests in Response to January 2018 Preliminary Injunction
USCIS announced that it resumed accepting requests to renew a grant of deferred action under DACA. Until further notice, and unless otherwise provided in this guidance, the DACA policy will be operated on the terms in place before it was rescinded on 9/5/17. Additional information will be coming.
The Current Status of DACA
Alma Rosa Nieto, vice chair of AILA's Media Advocacy Committee, reflects on the current status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative and highlights two DACA recipients in particular who exemplify why these young people should be permanently protected with the Dream Act.
AILA ICE Liaison Committee Meeting Q&As (10/26/17)
Official Q&As from the 10/26/17 AILA liaison meeting with ICE. Topics include information on staffing and organizational updates, enforcement memos, directives, prosecutorial discretion, U visas, detention, bond, detainers, parole, DACA, post order issues, and records retention.
H.R. 4760: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018
On 1/10/18, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) introduced the Securing America’s Future Act of 2018, which among other things, would eliminate the Diversity Visa Program and family-based immigration for certain relatives, and provide DACA recipients a three-year renewable legal status.
AILA Policy Brief: Why Congress Must Act Now to Protect Dreamers
This policy brief outlines some of the major reasons why Congress must pass a permanent legislation solution for Dreamers immediately.
Former DHS Secretaries Write Letter to Congress in Favor of Dreamers
Former DHS Secretaries Michael Chertoff, Janet Napolitano, and Jeh Johnson wrote a letter to ranking members of Congress urging a bipartisan legislative effort in favor of Dreamers and a new USCIS application process.
Practice Alert: USCIS Guidance on DACA Renewal Filings Impacted by USPS Delays and USCIS Pick-Up Errors
AILA updated its practice alert regarding USCIS guidance on rejected DACA applications. Please note that USCIS has confirmed with AILA that letters have been sent for all cases impacted by USCIS pick-up errors, though USCIS has not confirmed the same for applications affected by USPS delays.
Story of a Dreamer Sparks Generosity
AILA Secretary Jeremy McKinney writes about how sharing client stories with the press and public can make a difference and highlights one recent example when a profile of a Dreamer unexpectedly sparked the generosity of a donor.
USCIS Provides Guidance and FAQs on Rejected DACA Requests
USCIS provided guidance and FAQs on DACA requests delivered by the filing deadline but not officially “ received” by USCIS. USCIS contacted individuals and they have 33 days from the date of the letter to resubmit the request. USCIS included information on other types of mail issues as well.
Congress Leaves Without Passing Dream Act, Jeopardizing the Lives of Thousands
AILA is deeply disappointed by Congress’ failure to pass the Dream Act before the December holidays and calls on Congress and the President to grant Dreamers permanent legal status as soon as possible in 2018.
AILA Quicktake #227: Congress Passes Spending Bill
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen breaks down the December 21st Congressional vote to fund the government until mid-January and shares how AILA will keep fighting for the Dream Act.
Living Courage
AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson reflects on 2017, highlighting the courage of Dreamers and the work of AILA members as inspirations for 2018 when he'll “be looking to all of you to be fearless, steadfast, and courageous. Because next year and every year, #AILAStandsWithImmigrants.“
Entertainers Urge Democrat Leaders to Uphold Promise to Protect Dreamers
On 12/20/17, over 40 entertainers urged Democrat leaders Senator Chuck Schumer (NY) and Representative Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) to uphold their promise to protect Dreamers, and do everything in their power to include a clean Dream Act in the must-pass spending bill.
Republican and Democratic Governors Urge Congress to Protect Dreamers
On 12/20/17, Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich and Democratic Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, along with nine other bipartisan governors wrote to Congressional leaders urging them to come together and pass legislation that would allow Dreamers to remain the United States.
Law Student Perspective: Changing the Narrative - A Lesson I Learned from a Congressman
AILA Law Student Member Homero Gonzalez discusses his meeting with a U.S. representative and how it reframed his thoughts on immigration.
AILA Quicktake #226: What's Next on Dream
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen discusses what's on Congress' plate as they look to fund the government by December 22 and how AILA members can get involved to get the Dream Act passed.
BIA Reopens Proceedings for DACA Recipient to Adjust Status
Unpublished BIA decision reopens proceedings for DACA recipient seeking to adjust status, noting that he was a minor when his parents’ asylum application was denied and was now the beneficiary of an approved visa petition. Special thanks to IRAC. (Matter of Wu, 12/11/17)
AILA: Congress Must Pass Dream Legislation Before the Holidays
AILA urged Congress and the President to pass the Dream Act before the December holidays. Failing to act will hurt Dreamers, their families, and the businesses and communities that depend on them.
Momentum Builds Among Republicans for Dreamer Fix Before the Holidays
Dreamers are emblematic of America's promise and our future. Yet as each day passes, they become more vulnerable to deportation. They have been fighting to protect their future for a long time, and with renewed urgency since the administration pulled the DACA rug out from under them. But they aren't
Law Student Perspective: Understanding DACA and Its Impact on the U.S. Economy
AILA member Indera DeMine provides information on DACA and conducts an interview with a DACA recipient.