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
Risk vs. Uncertainty: Advising and Advocating in the New Paradigm
While listening to a Freakonomics podcast recently focusing on John Urschel's abrupt decision to retire from the NFL., I was intrigued by the discussion of how we make decisions in the face of risk versus uncertainty. By way of explanation, the introduction to the piece asks how it is possible we ha
Representatives Coffman and Gutierrez Request Technical Fixes for DACA Participants
On 9/18/17, Representatives Mike Coffman (R-CO) and Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) sent a letter to DHS and USCIS requesting a series of technical fixes to the process of ending the DACA program.
DACA Recipients File Lawsuit Challenging DACA Rescission
Several DACA recipients filed a lawsuit asking the district court to enjoin the rescission of the DACA program and the use of information obtained pursuant to the DACA program for immigration enforcement purposes, except as previously authorized. (Garcia v. Trump, 9/18/17)
DHS Notice of Availability of DACA Rescission Memo
DHS notice that the 9/5/17 memo rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is available on the DHS website. (82 FR 43556, 9/18/17)
Deal or No Deal: Where Does DACA Stand?
If you're like me, you may be feeling some whiplash in terms of where things stand regarding a legislative fix for Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. Between the multiple bills that have been introduced or are about to be introduced, conflicting statements (and twee
Facing the Pro Bono Challenge Head On – One Perspective
Pro bono work is important. But, maybe keeping your practice afloat while following your conscience to increase your pro bono work is something you struggle with, too. Thinking outside the box of pro bono can help you figure out what YOU can do.
American Council on Education Urges Congress to Protect Dreamers
On 9/12/17, the American Council on Education (ACE), represented 77 other organizations in a sign-on letter to congressional leadership. The organizations urged Congress to pass legislation protecting Dreamers as soon as possible.
USCIS Provides Chart Explaining DACA Rescission Announcement
USCIS provides a chart explaining the 2017 DACA rescission announcement and what it means for the different groups of impacted individuals.
California and Three Other States File Lawsuit Challenging DACA Rescission
California, together with Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota, filed a lawsuit asking the district court to enjoin the government from rescinding DACA and from using information obtained in DACA applications and renewal requests for immigration enforcement purposes. (California v. DHS, 9/11/17)
Former Education Secretaries Condemn DACA Repeal
On 9/8/17, five former Secretaries of Education under the Obama, Bush, and Clinton administrations wrote a bipartisan letter to congressional leadership condemning the repeal of DACA. They implored Congress to quickly act to protect DACA recipients by passing the Dream Act as soon as possible.
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Condemns Ending of DACA
On 9/8/17, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) released a statement following President Trump’s decision to end DACA. The agency called it “a step backward for our country…. [and] a tremendous blow to the personal dreams and ambitions that DREAMers have been working towards.”
CRS Legal Sidebar: The End of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program
The Congressional Research Service provides a Legal Sidebar on the immediate takeaways from the 9/5/17 announcement that the DACA program would be phased out over a six-month period.
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.