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 60-Day Notice and Request for Comments on G–325A
USCIS 60-day notice and request for comments on Form G–325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action). Comments due by 6/24/24. (89 FR 30388, 4/23/24)
USCIS Issues Reminders Regarding the DACA Renewal Process
USCIS issues reminders about DACA renewal requests and strongly encourages renewal requests to be filed between 120-150 days before the expiration date. Filing more than 150 days ahead of the expiration date will not result in a faster decision.
USCIS Provides Update on DACA Processing Times
USCIS issued a reminder that it is committed to timely adjudicating DACA renewal requests. All DACA renewal requests are currently adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC), except for a small number of remaining requests pending at the Vermont Service Center (VSC).
Practice Alert: DACA Processing Times Updates
AILA provides a practice alert as the processing times page on the USCIS website are currently being updated for DACA applications. The posted times currently listed are not accurate, as they do not reflect application transfers currently in process.
Project 2025: Unveiling the far right’s plan to demolish immigration in a second Trump term
The Niskanen Center provides key takeaways from the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 policy playbook.
A Bridge We Can All Cross
AILA members César Magaña Linares and Raquel Fernández—a Salvadoran Dreamer with TPS and a second generation Venezuelan American—call for intra-immigrant solidarity.
USCIS Clarifies Guidance for Filing DACA Applications
USCIS issued an update after a U.S. district court decision found the DACA final rule unlawful. USCIS will continue to accept and process DACA renewals and accompanying applications for EADs. USCIS will continue to accept initial requests, but per the order, not process initial DACA requests.
And the DREAMers Dream On
AILA member Vaman Kidambi highlights the limbo that DREAMers are still stuck in and urges immigration attorneys to advocate for fairer and more humane immigration laws and policies, writing that immigrants bring “a rich diversity of culture, identity and togetherness“ that benefits us all.
DACA: Failure is Not an Option!
AILA Past President Victor Nieblas Pradis highlights the contributions DACA recipients have made over the last 11 years since the program's inception and why Congress cannot and must not fail to take action and protect them permanently.
DACA Recipients Stuck Picking Up Crumbs Left by the DREAM Act’s Failure
AILA DEI Scholarship winner Brenda Quintanilla delineates the history and impact of DACA and efforts to pass the DREAM Act, urging advocates to continue pushing Congress to pass legislation, writing “America has a gambling problem and undocumented/DACAmented people are treated like poker chips.̶
Featured Issue: Protecting Dreamers
Resources on legislative and administrative efforts to protect Dreamers, as well as litigation challenging the DACA program.
Featured Issue: A Path to Citizenship for People Who Are Undocumented or Lack Permanent Status
Overwhelmingly, Americans support a path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants and people with temporary status. Take action now and tell Congress to ensure permanent status for these valued members of our community.
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)