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
Featured Issue: Citizenship and Protections for Dreamers and Others Without Permanent Status
Americans broadly support granting permanent legal status to dreamers, undocumented immigrants, and people with temporary status. This page compiles resources related to DACA and efforts to gain protections, including paths to cititzenship, for dreamers and others without permanent legal status.
Family Section Newsletter, November 2025
Monthly newsletter brought to you by the members of the Family Section Steering Committee
The content of this email was created by Kathleen Irish, the AILA Family Section Chair, along with the assistance of other members of the Family Section Steering Committee
Practice Alert: New Immigration Parole Fee Required by H.R. 1
AILA issues this practice alert to provide details about the new immigration parole fee required by H.R. 1 as of October 16, 2025.
Client Flyer: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
AILA provides an updated flyer to share with clients with the most up to date information considering active litigation and government shutdown.
Practice Alert: Updates on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee shares this alert with the latest clarifying information available on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), including the meaning of the ongoing litigation and how the government shutdown affects issuance of a final decision by Judge Hanen.
DOS Updates on 2026 Diversity Visa Program for Entrants from Cuba and Great Britain
DOS provided updates regarding some 2026 Diversity Visa program entrants from Cuba and Great Britain (and dependent areas) receiving incorrect Entrant Status Check results. Cuba is not eligible for the 2026 program year. Entrants from Great Britain should confirm whether their entry was selected.
Family Section Newsletter, October 2025
Stay Updated: Insights & Updates from the Steering Committee – October Email Monthly newsletter brought to you by the members of the Family Section Steering Committee The content of this email was created by Kathleen Irish, the AILA Family Section Chair, along with the assistance of others.
Court Document Outlines Administration’s Plan to Resume DACA
The Administration filed a response in Texas v. United States outlining a plan to resume processing initial DACA applications for applicants residing outside of Texas. The plan is contingent on court approval, and USCIS has not provided a timeline if is is approved. (Texas v. United States, 9/29/25)
USCIS Policy Memo on Terminating DACA for Recipients Who Attempt to Purchase Firearms
USCIS issued a policy memo (PM-602-0191) providing guidance on the exercise of discretion for USCIS officers to issue a Notice of Intent to Terminate (NOIT) in cases where a DACA recipient has attempted to purchase a firearm.
Policy Brief: The Dignity Act of 2025
On July 15, Congresswomen Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and 18 other House members introduced an updated version of the “Dignity Act.” This brief provides an analysis of key parts of the bill.
Practice Alert: New Updates Regarding Parole
AILA provides this practice alert to provide members with the latest updates and changes to parole programs, including U4U, OAW FRP, CHNV, SMO and CAM.
Practice Alert: Fifth Circuit Lifts DACA Injunction Outside Texas
Use this page to view the current state of the DACA program, which is entangled in litigation. See what DACA applications USCIS will accept and process, and what DACA applications are not being processed.
CA5 Rules That DACA is Unlawful
The Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court’s judgment that DACA is unlawful though it modified its remedial order, noting: "We also limit the injunction to Texas only. We maintain the stay pending further appeal.”
Client Flyer: What Is myUSCIS?
AILA provides a simple flyer to help your clients understand the basics of myUSCIS. There is a generic PDF version and a customizable Word version. Please share widely with your networks.
Getting DACA Beneficiaries to H-1B Status Before It's Too Late: An Explanation of the New Enhanced 212(d)(3) Waiver Process
This free recording of a South Florida chapter webinar details how the new FAM guidance strengthens chances for D3 waiver approval for DACA beneficiaries and makes most DACA beneficiaries eligible for expedited waiver processing.
AILA Met with CBP's Admissibility Review Office (ARO)
AILA’s CBP OFO Committee met with CBP’s Admissibility Review Office (AOR). The topics discussed included staffing and operations, the interplay between CBP ARO and DOS, and guidance on 212(d)(3)(A) waivers for DACA recipients, among others.
Practice Alert: USCIS FAQ Discusses DACA Recipient Use of Advance Parole
USCIS has provided FAQ guidance confirming that advance parole may be granted to DACA recipients who wish to travel to attend a consular nonimmigrant visa interview.
A Guide to Filing INA § 212(d)(3) “D3” Waivers for DACA Recipients and Undocumented Persons
Path2Papers Project provides an overview of the D3 waiver, tips, and suggestions when filing, a template D3 waiver, and a sample waiver request based on a fictitious DACA recipient who is traveling on advance parole to their consulate interview.
Free Preview of AILA Waivers Online Course: Nonimmigrant Inadmissibility and Relief under INA §212(d)(3)(A)
As a special benefit for AILA members and in light of the new parole-in-place options due to the executive actions to promote family unity and help Dreamers, AILA is providing this free preview of the AILA Waivers Online Course.
Immigration Options After a DACA Beneficiary Returns to the U.S. with an H-1B and D3 waiver
This FAQ outlines the legal options and challenges a DACA recipient may face after being granted a D3 waiver and returning to the U.S., particularly if a consular officer determines that they have triggered the three-year or ten-year unlawful presence bars of inadmissibility.
Retaining DACA Employees: Work Visas in the K-12 Setting
Path2Papers provides a broad overview of potential employment-based options for DACA recipients in K-12 education and explains how school districts can sponsor these employees.
District Court Grants Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement in Alienage Discrimination Lawsuit
The district court preliminarily approved a settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit alleging that the defendant has a policy of denying certain applicants for residential secured loans based on their immigration status. (Rodriguez Perez v. First Tech Federal Credit Union, 10/8/24)
Practice Management Resources
The practice of law is a profession, but your law practice is a business. Whether you seek assistance with managing your work flow, obtaining new clients, dealing with staff, enhancing finances, or incorporating technology, AILA resources can help you achieve even greater success.
Practice Alert: Updated FAM Guidance Related to 212(d)(3) Waivers
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a more detailed look at the new FAM updates related to 212(d)(3) waivers after DOS released its clarifying guidance and updated the FAM.
Join the Conversation About Executive Actions to Promote Family Unity and Help Dreamers
AILA has created a listserv open to any interested AILA members to raise questions or concerns and discuss these announcements. You can join by going into My AILA on AILA's website and adding a new listserv.