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 Highlights Department Accomplishments for FY2012
USCIS public statement announcing Fiscal Year 2012 accomplishments, including developing & implementing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), launching the first phase of USCIS ELIS online system, implementing the Entrepreneurs-in-Residence initiative and more.
Video: How to use AILA's Deferred Action PSAs
Watch this short video about AILA’s new public service announcements on Deferred Action and how you can use them in your community.
A Bird in Hand—CIR and Deferred Action
With all the buzz about immigration reform, why apply for deferred action now? For those who were waiting to see how the elections turned out or whether the Obama administration's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or “DACA“ program was “real“ and not just a trick, the answer is clea
USCIS Data on DACA Cases Received Through March 14, 2013
USCIS statistics on DACA cases from 8/15/12 to 3/14/13 which shows a total of 453,589 accepted DACA requests for processing, 442,041 biometric services appointments scheduled and 245,493 requests approved.
ACLU Blog: Alabama to Allow Drivers Licenses for DACA Recipients
ACLU blog post about Alabama officials announcing that individuals granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be allowed to apply for state driver's licenses, beginning on March 15, 2013.
USCIS Transfers Workload from California Service Center to Texas Service Center
USCIS press release announcing that on 3/8/13, USCIS transferred some casework from California Service Center to Texas Service Center to balance overall workload with processing capacity at the centers related to DACA and Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.
Alabama Department of Public Safety Memo on Drivers Licenses
A 03/06/13 Memorandum from Major Terry Chapman of Alabama Department of Public Safety to Driver License Examiners through the chain of command allowing DACA recipients to apply and test for a driver license or ID card in Alabama.
USCIS FOIA Response For Documents Related to DACA
USCIS FOIA response for request of documents related to deferred action since 6/17/11 and Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) since 8/15/12. Documents received include 9/13/12 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for DACA. Special thanks to Shoba Sivaprased Wadhia.
H.R. 435 - Military Enlistment Opportunity Act
H.R. 435 - Military Enlistment Opportunity Act, introduced by Rep. Coffman (R-CO), broadens the pool of those eligible to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces beyond citizens and lawful permanent residents, and those eligible under the narrow MAVNI provisions.
VOICE: March/April 2013
The latest issue of VOICE brings you insight into the gay marriage and DOMA cases facing the Supreme Court, how to take your law firm mobile, advice on wage leveling violations, and much more!
USCIS Transfers Workload from Vermont Service Center to Nebraska Service Center
USCIS press release announcing that on 2/13/13, USCIS transferred some casework from Vermont Service Center to Nebraska Service Center to balance overall workload with processing capacity at the centers related to DACA and Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization.
AILA Notes on Liaison Q&As with SCOPS (2/27/13)
AILA notes from a teleconference with SCOPS on 2/27/13. Topics include H-1B filing tips, NIW RFEs, contacting NSC regarding an I-485 that is current, I-821D processing times, and number of photos required for I-485 filings.
AILA Supports the Military Enlistment Opportunity Act
AILA applauds the introduction last month of H.R. 435, the Military Enlistment Opportunity Act, by Congressman Mike Coffman (R-CO) that provides an opportunity for immigrants to serve in our Armed Forces, and urges Congress to make the bill part of a broader reform effort.
Public Service Announcement: Scammers are lying about immigration reform. Please do your part and share facts and information with your community.
If you are reading this column, it is probably not written for you. It is written for your friends, relatives or neighbors that may not fully understand what has happened, what has not happened and what may happen this year with immigration reform. For those reasons, I write this with only one req
USCIS Data on DACA Cases Received Through February 14, 2013
USCIS statistics on DACA cases from 8/15/12 to 2/14/13 which shows a total of 423,634 accepted DACA requests for processing, 411,739 biometric services appointments scheduled and 199,460 requests approved.
CRS Report on Policy Options for Providing Targeted Immigration Relief
Congressional Research Service (CRS) report from 2/13/13 on policies to provide targeted relief to unauthorized persons, including statutory and legislative remedies, including amending statutory provisions to make it easier for unauthorized persons to obtain LPR status.
AIC, AILA, CLINIC, and NILC Comments on Form I-821D
AIC, AILA, CLINIC, and NILC comments in response to proposed revisions to form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and accompanying instructions.
AILA Comments on Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
AILA’s comments in response to proposed revisions to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, Form I-765WS, Worksheet, and accompanying instructions.
AIM February: AILA Interview of the Month with Francisco Gutierrez
AILA Interview of the Month (AIM) is a series of short interviews on immigration from many perspectives. This month a young student at Georgetown University joins us to discuss his experience applying for DACA.
Michigan Reverses Decision, Will Grant Drivers Licenses to DACA Recipients
Michigan Department of State press release announcing Michigan will issue driver’s licenses and ID cards to DACA recipients following the release of updated USCIS FAQs specifying that DACA recipients are lawfully present.
Transcript of President Obama's Speech on Comprehensive Immigration Reform 2013
White House transcript of 1/29/13 speech by President Obama at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nevada where he laid out his 2013 immigration plan that will strengthen our borders and streamline the immigration system for families, workers, and employers.
White House Fact Sheet on Comprehensive Immigration Reform 2013
White House fact sheet on 2013 immigration plan that will strengthen our borders, crack down on companies that hire undocumented workers, hold undocumented people accountable before earning citizenship and streamline immigration system for families, workers, and employers.
2013 AILA Annual Plan and Budget
The AILA Board of Governors approved AILA’s 2013 Annual Plan and Budget at its meeting on January 26, 2013.
Iowa Reverses Decision and Will Begin Granting Drivers Licenses to DACA Recipients
The Iowa Department of Transportation released a press release announcing that the state had determined it can now issue driver's licenses or non-operator identification (ID) cards to persons granted DACA based on changed guidance issued by the USCIS.
Letter from North Carolina Attorney General on Drivers Licenses for DACA Grantees
Letter from the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office to the North Carolina DMV stating that individuals who have been granted deferred action pursuant to the DACA program must be issued a North Carolina drivers license in accordance with state law.