At Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C., we recognize the profound uncertainty that millions of long-term residents, known as Dreamers, face as they contribute to the U.S. economy and society while living in legal limbo. We are pleased to report on the introduction of the Dream Act of 2025 (S. 365), a bipartisan legislative effort spearheaded by Senators Richard Durbin (D-Illinois) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) on December 4, 2025.

This bill offers a long-sought, permanent solution that would allow an estimated 525,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, another two million eligible Dreamers, and 250,000 Documented Dreamers to obtain legal status.

What the Dream Act of 2025 Would Accomplish

The Dream Act of 2025 is designed to protect these long-term residents from deportation and provide a clear, two-step process to achieve Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status—a Green Card.

1. Step 1: Conditional Permanent Resident Status

The initial phase grants a Conditional Permanent Resident status, valid for up to eight years, which shields recipients from deportation, allows them to work legally, and permits travel outside the U.S. The bill would automatically grant this status to DACA recipients who still meet the program’s requirements and have not engaged in derogatory conduct.

General requirements for conditional status include:

• Entry: Being brought to the U.S. at age 18 or younger.
• Residence: Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least four years prior to the bill’s enactment.
• Background: Passing a government background check, demonstrating “good moral character” (no felony or multiple misdemeanor convictions), and undergoing biometric and medical exams.
• Tax Compliance: Swearing under penalty of perjury that they have no unpaid Federal tax liability or have applied to resolve any existing liability with the IRS.
• Application: Paying an application fee.
• Education/Military: Fulfilling one of the following:
  • Admission to a college or university, or
  • Having earned a high school diploma, or
  • Being in the process of earning a high school diploma or equivalent, or
  • Having served, serving, or having enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces

Deportation proceedings would be paused for Dreamers and Documented Dreamers eligible for this conditional status.

2. Step 2: Transition to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status

To transition from the conditional status to a full Green Card (LPR status), the individual must maintain continuous U.S. residence and meet several final conditions.

Crucially, the applicant must complete one of the following three tracks:

Additionally, they must:

• Demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak English and an understanding of American history, principles, and form of government.

• Pass a government background check and continue to demonstrate “good moral character”.

• Pay an application fee.

Why the Dream Act is Crucial for America

This legislation is not just about immigration; it’s about solidifying the future of American values and economic strength.

• Resolving DACA’s Legal Limbo: The Dream Act offers a permanent, legislative fix that would end the ongoing legal challenges to the DACA program, allowing recipients to work and live without fear of deportation.
• Economic Contribution: Dreamers currently contribute approximately $65 billion annually to the U.S. economy and pay $18 billion in combined federal, state, and local taxes. Providing them with permanent status allows them to continue to build businesses and contribute to their communities legally.
• Supporting American Values: The bill treats Dreamers—many of whom were brought here as babies—in a fair manner by protecting them from deportation to a country where they did not grow up and may not remember.

🤝 Your Next Steps with Cohen, Tucker + Ades

The Dream Act of 2025 is a beacon of hope for hundreds of thousands of individuals. At Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C., we are closely monitoring the bill’s progress and stand ready to assist potential applicants.

If you are a Dreamer, a DACA recipient, or a Documented Dreamer (children of non-immigrant E-1, E-2, H-1B, and L visa holders), the time to begin preparing your documentation is now. Successful application will depend on a complete and accurate record of your residence, education, and employment history.

Contact Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. today for a confidential consultation to strategically prepare for this critical legislation.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains general information and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. Immigration laws and fee schedules are subject to frequent change. The information provided herein may not reflect the most current legal developments. You should not act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this post without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Cohen, Tucker + Ades P.C. expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this post.

Sources: 

U.S. Congress |H.R.1589 – American Dream and Promise Act of 2025

Senator Dick Durbin | Durbin, Murkowski Introduce The Dream Act

National Immigration Forum | Dream Act of 2025: Bill Summary