Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Dream Act 2025: Path to Green Cards for Dreamers
The Dream Act of 2025 is a new law that wants to help people called Dreamers and DACA recipients get a green card to stay in the U.S. permanently.
These are people who came to the U.S. as kids but don't have the right papers.
The law has two big steps.
First, they have to show they've lived in the U.S. for a while, pass a background check, and either go to school, join the military, or have a job.
Then, they have to keep living in the U.S., finish school, serve in the military, or work for a few years, and pass another background check and a test on English and U.S. history.
If they do all that, they can get a green card and stay in the U.S. forever.
About 2.775 million people could get help from this law.
The Dream Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Richard Durbin and Lisa Murkowski, aims to provide a path to legal status and green cards for Dreamers, DACA recipients, and children of H-1B visa holders.
The bill could benefit approximately 2.775 million people, including 525,000 DACA recipients, 2 million Dreamers, and 250,000 documented Dreamers.
To qualify, applicants must have been brought to the U.S. at age 18 or younger, lived continuously in the U.S. for at least four years, pass a background check, and meet education, military, or employment requirements.
The process involves two steps: first, obtaining conditional permanent resident status, and second, meeting additional requirements to convert that status to a lawful permanent resident or green card holder status.
Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence, complete specific educational, military, or employment requirements, and pass additional background checks and civics tests to obtain a green card.
- Who
- Dreamers, DACA recipients, and children of H-1B visa holders
- What
- A bipartisan bill aimed at providing a path to legal status and green cards
- When
- Introduced on December 4, 2025
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To provide legal protection and a path to permanent residency for individuals brought to the U.S. as children
- Bill Sponsors
- Senators Richard Durbin and Lisa Murkowski
- Date Introduced
- December 4, 2025
- Potential Beneficiaries
- 525,000 DACA recipients, 2 million Dreamers, 250,000 documented Dreamers
- Visa Categories Included
- E-1, E-2, H-1B, L visa holders' children
- Conditional Permanent Resident Status
- First step in the process
- Green Card Requirements
- Education, military service, or employment track
- Background Checks
- Required for both steps
- English and Civics Test
- Required for green card