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
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.
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.