S. 3348: Dream Act of 2025

Dream Act of 2025

This bill grants amnesty with a path to citizenship to at least 2.5 million illegal aliens (as estimated by advocates in favor of the bill), as well as 250,000 so-called "documented dreamers" who accompanied a parent on a visa, aged out, and do not have an existing path to stay.

Section-by-Section Summary

Section 1: Short Title

Section 2: Definitions

Section 3: Permanent Resident Status on a Conditional Basis

Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant 8 years of Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status to applicants who:

• Age: Entered the U.S. at age 18 or younger.

• Presence: Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. for at least 4 years prior to the bill's enactment.

• Education: Have earned a high school diploma (or GED), been admitted to college, or are currently enrolled in school.

• Background Checks: Pass biometric and biographic background checks and medical exams.

• DACA Provision: Includes a streamlined process for current DACA recipients to adjust to CPR status automatically if they haven't engaged in disqualifying conduct.

• Inadmissibility Waivers- Amnestied aliens would generally not be eligible for status due to inadmissibility under the law. Accordingly, this bill waives provisions to make them eligible.
  • Automatic: Public charges, unlawful entrants, lacking documentation, and unlawful presence (3 and 10-year bars do not apply).
  • Discretionary: Certain criminal grounds, alien smuggling, student visa abusers, and unlawful voters.
• Criminal Bars: A felony, three or more misdemeanors (on different dates), and domestic violence. Immigration offenses, traffic offenses, marijuana possession, non-violent civil disobedience, and expunged convictions do not count.

Section 4: Removal of Conditional Basis (Adjustment to LPR)

Outlines the requirements for a person to move from "Conditional" status to a Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident). To qualify, they must meet one of three "tracks":

1. Education Track: Graduate from a college or complete at least two years of a bachelor's degree program.

2. Military Track: Serve at least two years in the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable discharge.

3. Worker Track: Demonstrate employment for a total of at least three years (with valid work authorization).

Section 5: Restoration of State Option for Higher Education

Repeals a 1996 law that currently restricts states from providing in-state tuition to illegal alien students unless they provide the same benefit to all U.S. citizens regardless of residency. This would allow states to set their own tuition policies for Dreamers without federal penalty.

Section 6: Confidentiality of Information

Prohibits DHS from using the information provided in Dream Act applications for immigration enforcement (deportation) purposes, except in cases of fraud or national security threats.

Section 7: Rulemaking

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue regulations to carry out the act within 180 days of enactment.

Section 8: Higher Education Assistance

Clarifies that CPR holders are eligible for federal student loans and work-study programs, though they remain ineligible for Pell Grants under this specific bill.

Section 9: Preclusion of Eligibility for Public Benefits

Specifies that individuals with CPR status are not eligible for certain federal means-tested public benefits (like Medicaid or SNAP) during their conditional period, mirroring the 5-year waiting period for other legal immigrants.