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
Why Finding Your Pro Bono Opportunity Can Help YOU
AILA's Practice and Professionalism Center highlights a few recent “Pro Bono High Fives,“ featuring AILA members, to inspire and encourage others to use their legal expertise to change lives, and maybe have some fun too!
Facing Challenges: DACAmented and Undocumented Attorneys Practice Immigration Law in Liminality
AILA DEI Law Student Scholarship recipient Gerardo Villegas Juarez knows firsthand the liminality experienced by DACA recipients, writing “DACA remains a temporary solution…DACA opens the door but also tethers you to the prospect of removal.“
AILA and the American Immigration Council Respond to a Bipartisan Framework of Immigration Reform Compromises
AILA and the Council respond to the news that Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) have reached an agreement on a draft Border and DREAM Act Deal.
Our “Candidate” is Immigration: 2022 Election Results Recap
In this blog post, AILA's Greg Chen and Sofia Rosales-Zeledon walk us through a recap of the 2022 midterm election results as they stand on November 9, 2022 with a focus on immigration as a campaign issue, and what opportunities there may be for immigration reform.
DHS Begins Limited Implementation of DACA Final Rule
On 10/31/22, DHS began limited implementation of the DACA final rule. USCIS will continue to accept and process applications for deferred action, work authorization, and advance parole for current DACA recipients. Due to litigation, USCIS will accept but cannot process initial DACA requests.
Practice Alert: District Court Extends Existing Injunction to DACA Regulations
On 8/30/22, USCIS published a final rule codifying DACA. On 10/14/22, the Southern District of Texas issued an order partially blocking these regulations from going into effect but allowing USCIS to continue adjudicating DACA renewal applications.
AILA and Partners Send Letter to Congress Urging Creation of Permanent Protections for Dreamers
AILA and partners sent a letter urging congressional leaders to swiftly pass legislative protections for Dreamers.
District Court Rules That DHS May Continue to Accept Renewal Applications for Current DACA Recipients
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen issued an order ruling that DHS may continue to accept and grant Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal applications for current DACA recipients who obtained DACA status on or before 7/16/21. (Texas, et al. v. United States, et al., 10/14/22)
AILA Members’ Letter to the Editor Template – Protect DACA/Dreamers
We encourage AILA members to personalize and submit a Letter to the Editor in response to an article that appears in their local paper focused on immigration; the template can serve as a guide as you urge Congress to act.
AILA President Responds to Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Remand of DACA Litigation
AILA President Jeremy McKinney reviewed the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals remand of the State of Texas v. USA litigation and noted, “Congress must act immediately … Protecting Dreamers permanently is right, true to America's values, and ultimately benefits all of us."
CA5 Affirms District Court’s Ruling That DACA Is Unlawful and Remands for Review of New DHS Final Rule
The court affirmed the district court’s ruling that vacated the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) memorandum and the DACA program, and remanded to the district court for review of the August 30, 2022, DHS final rule on DACA. (Texas, et al. v. United States, et al., 10/5/22)
New Public Charge Regulation Welcome, and More Welcoming
AILA President Jeremy McKinney and American Immigration Council Managing Director of Programs Jorge Loweree respond to the new public charge regulations published today by the Biden Administration.
USCIS Final Rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
USCIS final rule codifying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The final rule implements the 9/28/21 proposed rule with some amendments. The rule is effective 10/31/22. (87 FR 53152, 8/30/22)
Biden Administration Moves to Shore Up DACA Protections but Congress Needs to Act
AILA and the American Immigration Council welcomed newly published regulations that codify the DACA program. AILA President Jeremy McKinney noted, "These regulations are essential, but laws are for lasting change," and called on Congress to "pass legislation permanently protecting all Dreamers."
Ten Years Later – Where are Permanent Protections for DREAMers?
Today, AILA celebrates 10 years since the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative but calls on Congress to pass permanent protections; AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson notes, “Congress’ inaction on this issue is a moral and political failure.”
USCIS Provides Presentation on Filing Form I-821D For Individuals Who Previously Received DACA
USCIS provided the presentation from its May 19, 2022, webinar on filing form I-821D for individuals who previously received DACA. The presentation provides information on renewal considerations, filing Form I-765, payments, and more.
USCIS Announces Online Filing for DACA Renewal Forms
USCIS announced that individuals who previously received deferred action under DACA may file Form I-821D online. Currently, the option is only available for individuals who have previously been granted DACA. They must file Form I-765 to support their DACA filing, which is also available online.
CRS Provides Insight Report on Dreamers
CRS provided an Insight report on Dreamers. The report explains the options currently available to Dreamers once they reach age 21, estimates the population of “legal Dreamers,” and outlines selected congressional action that could affect "legal Dreamers.”
GAO Releases Report on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
GAO reviewed the extent to which USCIS shares information on DACA requestors and recipients with immigration enforcement agencies, finding that USCIS shared such information in fewer than 900 cases between June 2012 and June 2021. The report includes data on DACA adjudication outcomes and more.
Legislation to Protect Dreamers is Vital
AILA member Paúl A. Pirela shares insights about his work for the AILA Law Journal article he authored on the history of DACA and DREAM litigation as well as the legislation which has sadly languished for decades now and means young people brought to the U.S. as children can still face deportation.
AILA and the American Immigration Council Send Comment Letter to DHS on DACA Regulations
AILA and the American Immigration Council submitted a comment in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offering support for the continuation of the DACA initiative and recommendations related to its administration and adjudication.
CRS Releases Report on Legality of DACA and Recent Litigation Developments
CRS released a report on the status of DACA, especially as it relates to Texas II. The report states that Congress has full authority over the future of DACA, either through termination, by giving DHS power to implement DACA, or by statutory relief to DACA recipients.
USCIS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on DACA
USCIS notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on DACA. If finalized as proposed, the NPRM would codify the existing DACA policy with a few limited changes. Comments are due 11/29/21. (86 FR 53736, 9/28/21)
CIS Ombudsman’s Office Releases Tips for Renewing DACA
The CIS Ombudsman sent a reminder with tips for submitting a request to USCIS to renew DACA applications.
AILA Applauds Congress for Passing Historic Budget Resolution that Includes Legalization Programs for Dreamers, TPS Holders, Essential Workers, and Ot
AILA issued a statement in response to yesterday’s passage by the House of Representatives of a budget resolution that includes over $100 billion to support legalization programs for Dreamers, TPS recipients, essential workers, and other eligible immigrants.