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
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.
AILA Quicktake #218: White House Immigration Priorities
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen responds to the announced immigration priorities and principles set by the Trump administration. He discusses why the policies are harmful and how you can take action.
In the Midst of Chaos, Where is Our Lifeline?
Mother Nature hit Puerto Rico hard with Hurricane Maria. Regardless of the deadline for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals and irrespective of the need for immigration lawyers to respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Mother Nature wins out. But as immigration lawyers, we can't
S. 1937: Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act
On 10/5/17, Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced the Border Security and Deferred Action Recipient Relief Act, which would provide young people who were brought to the U.S. as children the chance to adjust their status, along with increase border security and interior enforcement measures.
Practice Alert: DACA Renewals Must Be Physically Received by USCIS Today
AILA reminds members that DACA renewal applications must be physically received (not postmarked) by USCIS no later than today, 10/5/17 in order to be deemed timely filed. Late DACA requests from residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Senators Graham and Harris Urge the President to Extend DACA Deadline
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) wrote a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging him to extend the DACA renewal application deadline to 1/4/18. The Senators cited concerns with applicants ability to seek legal counsel, pay the fee before the 10/5/17 deadline, and more.
DHS Reminds Eligible DACA Recipients to File Renewal Requests
DHS reminds eligible DACA recipients that they have until 10/5/17 to properly file their renewal request. Of the 154,200 individuals whose DACA is set to expire between 9/5/17 and 3/5/18, just over 100,000 have renewal requests currently pending with USCIS or have already been adjudicated.
CHC Letter to DHS Secretary Elaine Duke on DACA Renewal Deadline
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) urged DHS to extend the DACA renewal deadline to 1/5/18 due to nearly a third of those eligible to renew having not submitted their renewals as of 9/27/17. They also requested DHS to provide guidance to ICE and CBP to ensure DACA recipients are not targeted.
AILA Statement to Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on End of DACA
AILA submitted a statement to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for a hearing on “Oversight of the Administration’s Decision to End Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.” AILA urges members of Congress to call for an immediate vote on the Dream Act, extend the DACA renewal deadline, and more.
USCIS Reminder: Deadline To Submit DACA Renewal Requests Approaching
USCIS issued a reminder regarding the 10/5/17 deadline for DACA recipients to properly file renewal requests and associated applications for employment authorization. These requests must be properly filed and physically received by the agency at the proper filing location no later than 10/5/17.
AILA Member Talking Points on the SUCCEED Act
AILA members may find these Talking Points useful if asked by the media about the SUCCEED Act.
AILA Quicktake #216: SUCCEED Act
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen shares details of the SUCCEED Act, an effort to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers, which was introduced by Senators Tillis, Lankford, and Hatch.
S. 1852: SUCCEED Act
On 9/25/17, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), James Lankford (R-OK) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the SUCCEED Act, which would provide young people who were brought to the U.S. as children the chance to adjust their status, if they meet certain requirements.
Democratic Senators’ Request for Extension of DACA Renewal Deadline
On 9/25/17, 38 Democratic senators sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke requesting an extension of the 10/5/17 deadline for DACA renewals due to several major hurricanes that made landfall in the United States.