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
Republican Members of Congress Call on Speaker Ryan to Protect Dreamers
On 12/5/17, Representatives Scott Taylor (R-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) were joined by 30 Republican members of Congress in calling on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) to pass a permanent legislative solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients before the end of the year.
34 House Republicans Urge DACA Fix Before End of Year
On 12/5/17, Representatives Scott Taylor (R-VA) and Dan Newhouse (R-W) issued a press statement on the letter 34 Republicans sent to Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) on the urgency of putting a permanent solution for DACA on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of 2017.
S. 2192: Security, Enforcement, and Compassion United in Reform Efforts Act
On 12/5/17, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced the SECURE Act, to strengthen border security, increase resources for enforcement of immigration laws, provides relief from deportation and work authorization to DACA recipients, among other things.
AILA Insight: Looking Forward: DACA Legislation Heading Into 2018
AILA member Sarah Pitney compares potential Dreamer legislation.
AILA Quicktake #225: Dream Act Updates
As Congress looks to fund the government past December 8, 2017, AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen explains how the Dream Act fits in.
Senators Urge Senate Majority Leader to Bring Dream Act to the Senate Floor
On 11/21/17, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) along with ten senators urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to bring the bipartisan Dream Act (S. 1615) to the Senate floor for consideration before the holidays.
AILA Policy Brief: How Dreamer Protection Bills Measure Up
AILA Policy Brief comparing the leading bills that have been introduced to protect Dreamers, including the Dream Act (S. 1615 and H.R. 3440), the American Hope Act (H.R. 3591), the Recognizing America’s Children Act (H.R. 1468), and the SUCCEED Act (S.1852).
Video: AILA Urges Congress to Pass the Dream Act
On Tuesday, November 14, as more than 150 AILA members across the country met with congressional offices to urge them to pass a clean Dream Act, AILA members and staff met with Congressman Hoyer in DC. AILA's Executive Director shares why this movement is so important.
USCIS Provides Guidance on DACA Renewal Requests Affected by Mail Service Issues
USCIS stated that it will accept DACA renewal requests from individuals who resubmit their requests with individualized proof that the cause for receipt after the 10/5/17 deadline was the result of USPS mail service error. USCIS will also contact requestors who timely filed but were rejected.
Senators Urge DHS to Allow Resubmission of DACA Renewal Applications Received Past Deadline
On 11/15/17, 24 Senators wrote to Acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke to express their concern that DHS had rejected DACA renewal applications received after the deadline due to USPS processing delays. The Senators urged that DHS reverse its decision and allow individuals to resubmit applications.
Former National Security Leaders Urge Congress to Pass the Dream Act
On 11/14/17, a group of former national security leaders from both parties urged congressional leaders to pass the bipartisan, bicameral Dream Act by 12/8/17. The group highlighted the urgent need to protect Dreamers serving in the Armed Forces and recruits waiting to start boot camp.
AILA Minutes from Joint Liaison Meeting with ICE HSI and DOJ IER (11/14/17)
Unofficial minutes from the 11/14/17 meeting between the AILA Verification and Documentation Liaison Committee, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and DOJ Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER) Section. Topics include electronic I-9s, DACA recipients, E-Verify and more.
Manufacturers Call on Congress to Protect DACA Recipients
On 11/13/17, the National Association of Manufacturers, along with over 30 organizations from the manufacturing industry from around the country, urged Congress to pass legislation to assure DACA recipients that their future is safe.
A Profile of Current DACA Recipients by Education, Industry, and Occupation
The Migration Policy Institute provides a fact sheet that examines predicted DACA expirations, as well as offers estimates for the educational and workforce characteristics of the nearly 690,000 current DACA holders.
Border Patrol Arrests Former DACA Recipient
CBP announced that the El Centro Sector Border Patrol arrested a 23-year-old man, who according to CBP, is a Mexican citizen who was previously removed after he was arrested attempting to illegally enter the United States. He was booked pending charges of re-entry after removal.
Stand Up and Be an Advocate: Your Talent and Expertise Can Effect Meaningful Change
Immigration attorneys stand up for immigrants every day. But, our talent and expertise is typically channeled into advocating for our clients before the federal administrative agencies or immigration courts. To serve our clients well, we focus on understanding the latest developments in United State
On Immigration, It’s Time to Start Listening to Each Other
When it comes to civil dialogue, we are living in a low moment in our nation's history. Honest debates that yield real solutions to our common problems seem like a quaint notion—and that disturbs me. As the executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, an organization of 15,000
Op-Ed Framework on the Need for Congress to Pass the Dream Act
AILA members can use this framework as a starting point for a longer opinion piece for their local paper on the need to pass the Dream Act before the holidays as part of the #AILAStandswithDreamers Campaign. Please email newsroom@aila.org if you have questions about using this framework.
USCIS Provides Data on Active DACA Recipients as of September 4, 2017
USCIS provided data on active DACA recipients as of September 4, 2017, by month that the validity expires and the status of the associated renewal as of November 2, 2017.
USCIS Provides Data on DACA Renewals by Month as of November 2, 2017
USCIS provided data on active DACA recipients as of September 4, 2017, by month that the validity expires and the status of the associated renewal as of November 2, 2017.
USCIS Provides Data on DACA Terminations Related to Criminal and Gang Activity
USCIS provided data on DACA terminations related to gang membership or affiliation, convictions or arrests unrelated to gang activity, and convictions or arrests of gang members or affiliates. Data is provided by fiscal year for FY2013-FY2017.
AILA Quicktake #223: #AILAStandsWithDreamers Fall Campaign
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen provides a congressional update on the Dream Act and shares how you can get involved in the #AILAStandsWithDreamers campaign November 13-17, 2017.
AILA Member Talking Points for Congressional Visits on Dream Act
AILA members are encouraged to use these talking points when meeting with members of Congress on the need to pass the bipartisan, bicameral Dream Act (S. 1615 / H.R. 3440).
Senators Seek Clarity from DHS on Sharing DACA Information with ICE
On 10/25/17, Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and 39 other senators sent a letter to Acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke, demanding clarity on the use of DACA recipients personal information for enforcement purposes. The senators requested a response by 11/8/17.
774 Colleges and Universities Urge Congress to Protect Dreamers
On 10/19/17, the American Council on Education sent a letter on behalf of 774 colleges and universities to congressional leaders urging them to pass legislation to protect Dreamers.