American Dream and Promise Act of 2025

Key Points

• The bill creates a path to conditional permanent residence, and eventually a full green card, for people who entered the U.S. at age 18 or younger, have lived here continuously since January 1, 2021, and have completed or are enrolled in high school or higher education.
• It also lets certain nationals who were eligible for Temporary Protected Status as of January 1, 2017, or Deferred Enforced Departure as of January 20, 2021, adjust to permanent residence if they apply within three years and have lived here at least three years.
• Applicants must pass biometric and law enforcement background checks. People with felonies, three or more misdemeanors, or gang involvement are generally barred, though the bill allows waivers for some misdemeanors and for humanitarian reasons, and excludes minor cannabis offenses.
• While an application is pending, people are protected from removal and can obtain work permits and advance parole to travel. Those already ordered removed can apply without filing a separate motion to reopen.
• To remove the conditional status and get a full green card, Dreamers must earn a college degree or complete two years toward one, serve two years in the military with honorable discharge, or show at least three years of earned income. Exceptions exist for disability, caregiving, or hardship.
• The bill repeals the 1996 federal restriction on states offering in-state tuition to undocumented students, and protects application information from being used for immigration enforcement, with penalties up to $10,000 for violations.