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
ICE Public Advocate Voice Newsletter, August 2012 (Issue 1)
ICE August 2012 Public Advocate Voice newsletter on deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), Know Your Rights videos, LGBT training materials and more.
HHS Notice on PCIP Program Definition of “Lawfully Present”
HHS notice of amendment to interim final rule on amending definition of “lawfully present” for rules governing health insurance exchanges & tax credits to ensure that people applying for deferred action are not eligible. Comments are due 10/29/12. (77 FR 52614, 8/30/12)
Immigration Officials Advise Educators on Deferred Action
Education Week blog post about school records being among the key documents that young undocumented immigrants must submit in deferred action requests, where they must demonstrate that they are currently enrolled in school, have graduated from high school or obtained a GED.
“Dreamers” Deferred Action Has Candidates Talking about Immigration
It is presidential political season again, and this time the candidates actually are talking about immigration law as November approaches. If you remember 2004 and 2008, there was a diminishing amount of debate about immigration reform as Election Day came closer. Things look like they may be differ
HHS Letter Announcing DACA Grantees Not Eligible for Medicaid
Letter from the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services informing state health officials and Medicaid directors that individuals who qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will not be eligible for Medicaid and CHIP under the CHIPRA state option.
ICE Agents File Lawsuit Challenging DACA Memo
A suit filed in a Texas District Court alleges that the DHS memorandum on deferred action for childhood arrivals violates federal law and requires ICE officers to violate their oaths to uphold federal law. (Crane v. Napalitano, 8/23/12)
Nebraska Governor’s Statement on President Obama’s Deferred Action Program
Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman statement clarifying that individuals granted deferred action under the June 15th memo will not be eligible for Nebraska drivers licenses or other state benefits.
AILA Joins National Partners to Launch Deferred Action Website
AILA is proud to be part of the national effort to launch a website which is designed to help immigrants brought to this country as children understand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative.
DHS Notice on DACA and Form I-821D (Updated 8/17/12)
DHS notice of information collection under review for 30 days for Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Comments are due 9/17/12. (77 FR 49451, 8/16/12)
Governor Perry’s Letter to Texas Attorney General Regarding the Deferred Action Program
Texas Governor Rick Perry’s letter instructing Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to ensure that all Texas agencies understand that deferred action confers absolutely no legal status to those that qualify.
Arizona's Governor's Executive Order Regarding Deferred Action
Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s Executive Order clarifying that individuals granted deferred action under the June 15th memo will not be eligible for Arizona drivers licenses or other state benefits.
USCIS Begins Accepting Requests for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
USCIS press release on meeting its 60-day implementation date and that it will begin accepting requests, effective immediately, for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals for certain people who came to the U.S. as children and meet other key guidelines.
Today the DREAM Begins: USCIS Accepts Deferred Action Requests
AILA applauds USCIS for its on-time implementation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative announced by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 15, 2012.
USCIS Publishes Forms for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
USCIS press release announcing that they have submitted a Federal Register notice announcing new forms and instructions to allow individuals to request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals from USCIS beginning 8/15/12.
AILA Fact Sheet on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
AILA fact sheet highlighting key features of the DACA initiative and of the young people it will protect and provides links to the relevant forms, as well as additional resources.
White House Report on Obama Agenda and the Hispanic Community
August 2012 White House report on what the policies and programs of the Obama Administration have meant for Hispanic Americans throughout the first three and a half years, including sections on comprehensive immigration reform, the DREAM Act, deferred action and more.
AILA Consumer Advisory: Deferred Action for Certain Young Immigrants: Don’t Get Scammed!
AILA adds Spanish language advisory following the 8/3/12 USCIS release of updated DACA FAQs. This document cautions those who will apply for deferred action to wait until 8/15/12 as well as listing detailed eligibility criteria as outlined by USCIS.
Reminding Christopher Crane That He Is President Of The ICE Union, Not The United States
The last I checked federal bureaucrats are supposed to implement the administration's policies, not publicly obstruct them. So why is Christopher Crane, President of the National Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council — the union of 7,000 immigration agents, officers, and employees — engaging i
Do DREAMers really need a lawyer?
We don't have all the details yet, but the basic requirements to qualify for deferred action seem, well, pretty straightforward—and a motivated high school graduate or college student might be tempted to try to apply on their own, without seeking advice from an attorney or legitimate nonprofit. Even
USCIS Brochure on How to Request Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
USCIS 8/3/12 brochure on how to request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals, including information on eligibility criteria, supporting evidence, request procedures, fees, confidentiality, and more.
USCIS Flowchart on Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
USCIS flowchart providing guidelines for potential applicants to determine if they meet the criteria for requesting Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals. A broad overview of the filing process is also provided.
DHS Press Release on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process
USCIS press release providing additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15, 2012, implementation date.
NSC Stakeholder Newsletter, August 2012
NSC August 2012 stakeholder newsletter, which includes information on developments on deferred action, asylum EAD clock, expedited case review on I-90 biometric no-shows, and more.
Sample Grants of Deferred Action by ICE
Sample grants of deferred action by ICE for individuals who came to the U.S. as children and are in removal proceedings. Please note: These are NOT affirmative deferred action grants by USCIS. USCIS has not yet announced the affirmative application process.
House Democrats Thank President Obama for Deferred Action Policy
A 7/18/12 letter from 104 House Democrats to President Obama expressing support and appreciation for DHS’ June announcement of a deferred action policy for certain undocumented youth.