Dream Act of 2025

Path to Permanent Residence: Certain individuals who entered the United States as children and have been continuously present for at least 4 years can obtain permanent resident status on a conditional basis (Section 3(b)(1)).

Status for DACA Recipients: The bill specifically directs the Secretary to cancel removal and adjust the status of individuals who were granted DACA (Section 3(b)(4)).

Stay of Removal for Students: The Attorney General is directed to stay removal proceedings for eligible aliens who are at least 5 years of age and enrolled in an elementary, secondary, or early childhood education program (Section 3(d)(3)(A)).

Employment Authorization for Students: Aliens whose removal is stayed due to school enrollment can be granted employment authorization documents upon application (Section 3(d)(3)(C)).

Fee Exemptions for Vulnerable Groups: Applicants may be exempt from application fees if they are under 18 and meet specific income or circumstances, such as being in foster care, homeless, having a serious disability, or having significant medical debt (Section s 3(b)(5)(B) and Section 5(a)(4)(B)).

Hardship Exceptions: The bill allows for the removal of the conditional basis of status even if certain requirements aren't met, provided the individual demonstrates compelling circumstances like a disability, being a full-time caregiver, or causing extreme hardship to family members (Section 5(a)(2)).

Criminal Disqualifications: Individuals may be ineligible for status if they have been convicted of certain Federal or State offenses, including those punishable by more than one year of imprisonment or multiple offenses resulting in 90 days or more of imprisonment (Section 3(b)(1)(C)(iii)).

Application Fees: The Secretary may require applicants to pay a reasonable fee to process their application for permanent resident status (Section 3(b)(5)(A)).

Conditional Status Limitations: Permanent resident status granted under this act is only valid for 8 years and is subject to termination if the individual ceases to meet specific requirements (Section 4(a)).

Requirement to Return to Previous Status: If an application is denied or the conditional status expires or is terminated, the individual must return to the immigration status they held immediately before (Section 4(d)(1)).