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
Resources on the Lawsuit Challenging DAPA and DACA Expansion
The district court issued an order stating that the states’ 9/5/17 notice of voluntary dismissal pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(A) was ineffective to dismiss the case. The parties were granted leave to file a different form of dismissal motion. (Texas v. United States, 9/8/17)
H.R. 3695: Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2017
On 9/7/17, Representatives Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) introduced the Protect DREAMer Confidentiality Act of 2017 (H.R. 3695), which would ensure the information DACA applicants provide the U.S. government is not used against them for immigration enforcement.
The Dream Act, DACA, and Other Policies Designed to Protect Dreamers
The American Immigration Council provides a fact sheet with an overview of the Dream Act and other similar legislative proposals, explains changes made to DACA on 9/5/17, and provides information about policies at the state level that support Dreamers.
CBP Provides Guidance on the Rescission of DACA
CBP Acting Chief Carla Provost issued a memo with updated guidance for CBP agents due to the rescission of DACA, including guidance for what an agent should do if an DACA applicant is encountered.
Statement from President Barack Obama on DACA Repeal
On 9/5/17, President Barack Obama released a statement condemning the repeal of DACA, stating that “we shouldn’t threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.”
Representative Reichert Urges Protection of DACA Program
On 9/5/17, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) condemned the repeal of DACA, stating, “Punishing these individuals for a crime they didn’t commit is not in the American DNA…. Congress must work towards a long-term immigration solution that… allows all individuals to pursue the American Dream.”
Senator Flake States Congress Must Take Action to Protect Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ) called on Congress to pass permanent, stand-alone legislation that ensures Dreamers are able to stay, finish their education and continue to contributing to society. Flake is a co-sponsor of the Dream Act (S.1615), BRIDGE Act (S. 128), and the SAFE Act (S.127).
Representative Upton Encourages Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) called on Congress to work together on fair, rigorous, and bipartisan legislation that addresses the uncertainty facing Dreamers. Representative Upton is a co-sponsor of the BRIDGE Act (S.128) and the RAC Act (H.R. 1468).
AILA Quicktake #214: Trump Administration Ends DACA
AILA Secretary Jeremy McKinney responds to the Trump administration's decision to end DACA and explains what the announcement means.
Practice Alert: Trump Administration Rescinds DACA
On September 5, 2017, the Trump administration announced the elimination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This practice alert explains what the announcement means, what we know about implementation of the rescission, and how to advise clients who currently hold DACA.
DHS Issues Fact Sheet on Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program
DHS issued a fact sheet on the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, including next steps for pending applications, status of approved advance paroles, rejection of renewal applications filed outside the parameters described, and more.
White House Provides Congress with Talking Points on Rescission of DACA Program
CNN obtained talking points on the rescission of DACA from the White House to Capitol Hill. One bullet states, “The Department of Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States…”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Issues Statement on DACA Rescission
On 9/5/17, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley released a statement condemning the repeal of the DACA program and called on the administration and Congress to quickly find a legislative solution before the program expires.
Representative Marshall Calls on Congress to Defend Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Representative Roger Marshall (R-KS) released a statement following President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA. He called on Congress to use legal, legislative avenues to assist Dreamers, secure the border, and develop a workable visa program for America’s farmers.
Representative Adam Kinzinger Calls on Congress to Defend Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released a statement on President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA. He called on Congress to pursue immigration reform as a permanent, legislative solution that will allow Dreamers to stay legally. Kinzinger is a co-sponsor of the RAC Act (H.R. 1468).
Senator Ernst Calls on Congress to Defend Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released a statement following President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA. She called on Congress to pursue a measured approach that addresses the situation of Dreamers, secure the border, and modernize our legal immigration system.
Senator Lamar Alexander Pushes for Immigration Reform
On 9/5/17, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) issued a statement following President Trump’s decision to rescind DACA. The Senator voted for the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S.744), and is willing to work with Trump to pass similar legislation.
Representative Carlos Curbelo Urges Floor Vote on RAC Act
Following the rescission of DACA, Representative Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) called on the President to focus on deporting criminals, not separating families. He went on to urge his colleagues to support the RAC Act (H.R. 1468), which he introduced earlier this year, and bring it to a floor vote.
Attorney General Sessions Delivers Remarks on Rescinding DACA Program
The DOJ released remarks as prepared for delivery from the Attorney General Jeff Sessions regarding the rescission of the DACA program.
DHS Issues Memo on Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DHS issued a memorandum rescinding the June 15, 2012, memorandum entitled "Exercising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who Came to the United States as Children," which established the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA").
DHS Issues FAQs on Rescission of DACA Program
DHS issues FAQs on the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
AILA Stands with Dreamers, Condemns DACA Cancellation
In the wake of the announcement by the Trump administration, AILA condemned the cancellation of the DACA initiative and reiterated its support for Dreamers and DACA recipients, calling on Congress to “live up to America’s fundamental principles and stand up for Dreamers.”
Senator James Lankford Calls on Trump to Protect DACA
On 9/5/17, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) responded to President Trump’s announcement to end DACA, stating, “We as Americans do not hold children legally accountable for the actions of their parent. In the coming months, Congress must address this issue."
Senator Tillis to Introduce Legislation to Protect Dreamers
On 9/5/17, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) released a statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA. The Senator will introduce legislation to provide a fair path for Dreamers to earn legal status and called on Congress to work across the aisle to protect DACA recipients.
After DACA Rescission, House Speaker Paul Ryan Supports a Permanent Legislative Solution
On 9/5/17, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) responded to President Trump’s announcement to end DACA, stating he hopes Congress will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers.