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
AILA ICE Liaison Committee Meeting Q&As (11/8/12)
AILA ICE Liaison Committee questions and answers from the 11/8/12 liaison meeting with ICE, including information on prosecutorial discretion, communication with ICE OCC, DACA, the Risk Classification Assessment tool, bond hearings, and stays of removal.
DOJ OSC Fall 2012 Newsletter
DOJ Office of Special Counsel (OSC) newsletter for the fourth quarter of 2012 covering issues related to enforcement activities, webinar schedules, temporary protected status (TPS) on Haiti, guidance on deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) and more.
NSC Stakeholder Newsletter, October 2012
NSC October 2012 stakeholder newsletter, which includes information on developments on deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), derivate refugee and asylum status, and more.
CBP Handout to Individuals Who May Be Eligible for DACA
CBP handout in English and Spanish directed at individuals who may be eligible for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion by CBP because they could be eligible for DACA. CBP released the handout on 2/28/13 in response to a FOIA request filed by AILA on 11/1/12.
Internal CBP FAQs on DACA
Internal CBP FAQs on DACA, including information on why DHS is announcing the DACA program now, how DACA differs from the DREAM Act, and how DACA differs from TPS. CBP released the FAQs on 2/28/13 in response to a FOIA request filed by AILA on 11/1/12.
CBP Guidance to Field on Encountering DACA-eligible Individuals
CBP guidance for the field on what to do if officers encounter an individual who may be eligible for DACA, including processing guidelines. CBP released the guidance on 2/28/13 in response to a FOIA request filed by AILA on 11/1/12.
CBP Memo on the Implementation of DACA
CBP memo dated 6/15/12 on implementing Secretary Napolitano’s memo concerning the exercise of prosecutorial discretion with respect to individuals who came to the U.S. as children. CBP released the memo on 2/28/13 in response to a FOIA request filed by AILA on 11/1/12.
AILA Liaison OSC Meeting Minutes (10/23/12)
Minutes from the AILA Verification & Documentation Liaison Committee’s 10/23/12 meeting with DOJ’s Office of Special Counsel. Topics include DACA, E-Verify, electronic I-9s, TALs, current priorities and trends, and more. Special thanks to Montserrat Miller and Marketa Lindt.
CA2 Temporarily Stays Review of Removal Cases
The court suspended action on removal cases in order for ICE to determine which cases are low priority under ICE guidelines or whether there are other reasons that ICE would be unlikely to promptly effect removal. (In the Matter of Immigration, 10/16/12)
ICE Public Advocate Voice Newsletter, October 2012 (Issue 2)
ICE October 2012 Public Advocate Voice newsletter announcing expansion of the deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) hotline into a new ICE Community Hotline, a profile on Women’s Refugee Commission, and information on visitation requests for detainees at ICE facilities.
USCIS Data on DACA Cases Received Through October 10, 2012
USCIS statistics on DACA cases from 8/15/12 to 10/10/12 which shows a total of 179,794 accepted DACA requests for processing, 158,408 biometric services appointments scheduled, 6,416 requests under review, and 4,591 requests approved.
Practice Alert: The Correct I-765 Eligibility Category Under DACA
USCIS reminds stakeholders to use the correct eligibility category on Form I-765 for work authorizations under DACA, which is not the same eligibility category as work authorizations under regular deferred action.
Additional USCIS Data on DACA Cases Received Through 9/12/12
USCIS statistics on DACA cases from 8/15/12 to 9/12/12, including the number of cases received by each lockbox, rejected by each lockbox, accepted by state of residence, and accepted by country of birth, as well as the number of biometrics appointments scheduled.
Grassley and Smith Ask for Details on DACA Background Checks
A 10/02/12 letter from Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Representative Smith (R-TX) to Secretary Napolitano, requesting details about the background checks being conducted for DACA applicants.
An Open Letter to Gov. Jan Brewer
September 26, 2012 The Honorable Janice K. Brewer Arizona Governor Executive Tower 1700 West Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85007 Dear Governor Brewer: On August 15, 2012, you issued an Executive Order which barred those individuals eligible for Deferred Action (DACA) from obtaining driver's licenses
ICE Introduces New Community Hotline
ICE announcement introducing a new community hotline for members of the public and ICE stakeholders that will allow ICE to address a number of inquiries, including community outreach requests, PD requests, detention concerns, enforcement activities, and more.
AILA’s New Members Division Newsletter, September 2012 (Vol. 4, Issue 6)
In this edition, discover how to balance ethics and your DACA cases, learn to effectively maneuver through master calendar hearings, find tips on how to handle complex U visa cases, and more!
Practice Advisory: Counseling Employers on DACA Issues
AILA provides a practice advisory for attorneys advising employers on DACA issues, including conflicts of interest, constructive knowledge and confidentiality of employer data in DACA apps. Special thanks to Kathleen Walker, Marketa Lindt, Richard Gump, and Sharon Mehlman.
My take on AILA’s Fall Board of Governors Meeting
It is the time of year again when the kids head back to school, the leaves start to turn, and we prepare to hunker down for the long winter. This time of year also marks the fall AILA Board of Governors meeting - so while my family set out to ride the Purple Ride 2012 […]
USCIS FAQs on Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Updated 9/14/12)
USCIS updated FAQs, as of 9/14/12 on DACA. New FAQs include information on travel, G-28s for attorneys providing pro bono services at group events, listing social security numbers, documenting continuous residence, information for employers, and more.
SSA Guidance to DACA Recipients on Obtaining an SSN
One-page SSA handout providing information to individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) on the requirements and process for applying for a social security number.
First Wave of DACA Grants Started
DHS has advised AILA that the first adjudications of requests for deferred action for childhood arrivals have been completed, and electronic notifications are being sent.
OSC Technical Assistance Letter on DACA Hiring Process
A 9/10/12 letter from DOJ Special Counsel Seema Nanda on whether those receiving deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) can be legally hired, and, if so, what documents constitute proof that they are authorized to work in the United States.
DHS Advises On Various DACA Process Questions
Information from DHS on DACA process issues includes expected timing of process, handling of denials, and upcoming FAQ.
VOICE: September/October 2012
This special edition of VOICE is dedicated to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Find the advice and resources you need to successfully manage your DACA cases!