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
Practice Alert: Updates on Pause on Decisions for Travel Ban Countries
On August 14, 2025, the First Circuit Court of Appeals granted the government's request to stay the vacatur of the Comprehensive Re-Review Policy pending appeal. USCIS may resume re-review of cases approved for travel ban nationals who entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
Practice Alert: USCIS Interim Final Rule on Mandatory E-filing
On August 11, USCIS published an Interim Final Rule establishing a framework for mandatory e-filing. The USCIS Operations Committee provides this alert explaining the process by which USCIS can mandate that certain forms are filed electronically and how individuals may apply for a waiver.
New Edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook Released by AILA
AILA is proud to release the 20th edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, the must-have resource filled with expert guidance helping readers navigate the labyrinthine U.S. immigration laws, including recent Supreme Court rulings and their impact.
AILA Submits Comment Opposing USCIS NPRM Limiting Discretionary Employment Authorization
AILA submits comment on USCIS’s proposed changes to limit eligibility for discretionary employment authorization. The comment argues that this policy change would have drastic negative consequences for applicants, employers, families, and economy.
Take Action: Sign Rep. Garcia’s Discharge Petition and Vote YES on the American Dream and Promise Act
AILA and the American Immigration Council urge members to ask Congress to sign Rep. Sylvia Garcia’s discharge petition and bring H.R.1589 - American Dream and Promise Act to a vote. Take action today and ask your Representative to sign the petition and vote YES!
Practice Alert: Clarification on USCIS Photo Collection Policy
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides clarification on the photograph reuse policy issued by USCIS on December 12, 2026.
Sample Brief: Mandamus Action Challenging USCIS Delays for DACA Renewal and EAD Adjudications
Plaintiff filed a mandamus action seeking adjudication of a DACA renewal and related employment authorization application pending nearly six months. The complaint alleges USCIS's delay caused loss of work authorization, financial hardship, and risk of removal. (Doe v. USCIS, 7/3/26)
USCIS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Limit Discretionary Employment Authorization
USCIS NPRM to limit eligibility for discretionary EADs. Notably, it would bar those arrested, charged, indicted, or convicted of a crime; who admit to committing a violent crime; or whom DHS determines to be in a gang from receiving discretionary EADs. Comments are due 8/4/26. (91 FR 34352, 6/5/26)
Practice Pointer: Understanding USCIS Updates to Processing Times Information, including Listed Location of Some Case Processing
AILA's USCIS Operations Committee provides pointers to assist members with better understanding of the Processing Times chart following a shift within USCIS SCOPS processing times metrics.
Practice Alert: New Vetting Process at USCIS Resulting in a “Hold” on Adjudications Requiring Fingerprint Checks
AILA provides updates regarding a new security vetting process effective Apr 27, 2026, requiring many pending cases to resubmit fingerprints. that has resulted in holds on final approvals until new checks are run.
Practice Alert: Clarification of Active Biometrics Policies for Various Application Types
AILA National provides a brief overview and clarification on existing, updated, and proposed biometrics policies to date. For fingerprint specific requirements, please reference USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 1, Part C, Biometrics Collections and Security Checks.
BIA Holds That IJ Erred in Terminating Proceedings Based Solely on DACA Receipt Without Considering Opposition to Termination
The BIA held that the IJ erred in terminating removal proceedings based solely on the fact that respondent had been accorded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and without considering reasons for any opposition to termination. Matter of Santiago-Santiago, 29 I&N Dec. 589 (BIA 2026)
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.