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
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.
USCIS Updates Its FAQs Related to DACA
USCIS updated its FAQs related to DACA, including updated information regarding the 7/16/21 district court decision in Texas, et al., v. United States, which found the DACA policy “illegal.”
DOJ Provides Reminders for DACA Recipients and Employers Regarding Employment Discrimination
On July 16, 2021, a federal court found DACA unlawful. This ruling does not affect ICE’s existing enforcement guidelines. In light of the court decision, DOJ issued reminders regarding employment discrimination and immigrant employee rights.
USCIS Issues Statement on DACA Court Decision in Texas v. United States
USCIS posted statements regarding the Texas v. United States decision, stating that DHS will continue to accept the filing of both initial and renewal DACA requests, as well as accompanying requests for employment authorization.
District Court Blocks Filing of New DACA Applications
A district court found that DHS violated the APA with the creation of DACA and its continued operation, stating that the DACA memo and the DACA program that it created are hereby vacated and remanded to DHS for further consideration. (Texas v. United States, 7/16/21)
AILA: No Surprise that Texas Judge Puts Politics Ahead of Sound Legal Precedent
AILA President Allen Orr and Executive Director Benjamin Johnson responded to the ruling by Texas federal judge Andrew Hanen against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in this statement, urging the administration and Congress to protect Dreamers.
Nine Years Since DACA Was Announced – the Senate Needs to Act
AILA celebrated the ninth anniversary of the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, but AILA President Allen Orr, Jr. called on Congress to enact permanent protection for Dreamers, saying it “would be a moral and economic victory for the entire country.”
Nine Years Later…DACA is Not Enough
Mo Goldman shares the example of his client to explain that DACA isn't enough and Congress needs to act because “A year from now, we should not be celebrating the ten-year anniversary of DACA“ but instead “the first months of a path to citizenship for these deserving individuals.“
CIS Ombudsman’s Office Issues Reminder for DACA Renewals
The CIS Ombudsman’s Office issued a reminder that individuals who are eligible to renew their DACA and employment authorization may submit their renewal request between 150 days and 120 days before the expiration on their current Form I-797, Notice of Approval, and on the EAD.
CRS Releases Report on DACA by the Numbers
CRS released a report providing data on DACA, including estimates of the DACA-eligible and DACA-recipient population as well as information on the socioeconomic characteristics of DACA recipients. The report also includes information on DACA recipients who have become lawful permanent residents.
H.R. 6: American Dream and Promise Act of 2021
On 3/3/21, Representatives Roybal-Allard, Velázquez, and Clarke introduced a bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain individuals, including Dreamers and those with TPS and DED, and for other purposes. AILA endorses this bill.
AILA Welcomes Bipartisan Dream Act of 2021; Calls on Congress to Take Action on This and Other Necessary Immigration Legislation
AILA welcomed the introduction of the bipartisan Dream Act of 2021, calling on Congress “to pass this bill as a step forward toward legalization of the undocumented, and the many other necessary changes to our immigration laws our country requires.”
President Biden Issues Memorandum on Preserving and Fortifying DACA
On 1/20/21, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the DHS Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take all actions he deems appropriate, consistent with applicable law, to preserve and fortify DACA. (86 FR 7053, 1/25/21)
USCIS Provides Guidance on Completing Form I-9 for Employees with Extended Work Authorization Under DACA
USCIS provided guidance for completing Form I-9 for employees with extended work authorization under DACA. Per USCIS, employees may present their unexpired EAD with category code C33 issued on or after 7/28/20, along with an I-797 Extension Notice showing a one-year extension under DACA.