5 Critical Ways The Arizona DREAM Act Coalition Is Fighting For Dreamers In 2025
The Arizona DREAM Act Coalition (ADAC) remains at the forefront of the fight for immigrant rights in the state, navigating a complex landscape of legislative victories, renewed legal threats, and a critical push for federal change. As of late 2025, the organization's work is more vital than ever, balancing the celebration of major milestones like the implementation of Proposition 308 with the immediate challenge of new anti-immigrant legislation and the perpetual uncertainty surrounding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The coalition, a non-profit organization, has cemented its role as a powerful advocacy group, focusing on social and political organization, leadership development, and ensuring access to higher education for undocumented students and DACA recipients in Arizona. This deep dive explores the five most critical areas where ADAC is focusing its energy and resources in the current political and legal climate.
ADAC's Pivotal Role in Arizona's Immigration Landscape
The Arizona DREAM Act Coalition (ADAC) operates with a mission to advocate for the rights of immigrants and students who are pursuing higher education and a pathway to citizenship. Their work is a blend of grassroots organizing, legal strategy, and direct student support. The coalition traces its roots back to key legal battles that shaped the rights of Dreamers in the state for over a decade.
- Organization Name: Arizona DREAM Act Coalition (ADAC)
- Type: Non-profit organization, advocacy group
- Primary Focus: Immigrant rights, access to higher education, pathway to citizenship, and leadership development for undocumented youth.
- Key Legal Case: *Arizona Dream Act Coalition v. Brewer* (A landmark case that successfully challenged a state policy denying driver's licenses to DACA recipients, resulting in a permanent federal court block of the ban).
- Major State Victory: Passage and implementation of Proposition 308 (2022).
- Current Challenges (2025): State-level anti-immigrant legislation (e.g., potential new bills like SB 1164), and the federal legal uncertainty of DACA (e.g., *U.S. v. Texas*).
- Current Programs: Summer of Dreams 2025 Travel Abroad Program, leadership training, and community organizing.
1. Securing and Defending the Proposition 308 In-State Tuition Victory
The most significant and celebrated victory for the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition in recent years is the passage of Proposition 308 (Prop 308) in November 2022. This ballot measure overturned a 2006 voter-approved law, finally allowing qualifying non-citizen Arizona high school graduates to receive in-state tuition at the state's public universities and community colleges.
Prior to Prop 308, undocumented and DACA students were forced to pay the much higher out-of-state tuition rate, creating a massive financial barrier to higher education. The coalition, alongside partners like Aliento AZ, led the multi-year campaign to educate voters and push the measure to success.
The Implementation Phase: As of 2025, ADAC's focus has shifted from campaigning to ensuring the smooth and full implementation of the law across all institutions, including the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) universities (Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University). This involves ongoing advocacy to clarify eligibility requirements and overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has also issued an opinion clarifying that the voter-approved law is compliant with federal law, further solidifying the victory.
2. Battling New Anti-Immigrant Bills in the 2025 Legislative Session
While the victory of Prop 308 was historic, the legislative fight in Arizona is far from over. ADAC is currently mobilizing to combat new, restrictive measures introduced in the 2025 legislative session. The political climate in the state often produces bills that mirror past controversial efforts, such as the infamous SB 1070.
The Threat of Senate Bill 1164 (SB 1164): A major point of concern in 2025 is the introduction of bills like Senate Bill 1164 (SB 1164), which seeks to undermine federal immigration laws and impose new restrictions on individuals residing in Arizona without lawful status. ADAC's role is crucial in organizing community opposition, lobbying state legislators, and educating the public about the negative economic and social impact these measures would have on the state.
The coalition argues that such bills harm Arizona's economy and its reputation, citing the negative economic impact of ending DACA and calling for legislation that helps keep Dreamers in the U.S.. The fight against these measures is a high-stakes effort to protect the gains made and prevent a return to a hostile environment for immigrant communities.
3. Navigating the DACA Program's Ongoing Legal Crisis
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects hundreds of thousands of Dreamers nationwide, continues to face existential legal threats in 2025. ADAC’s advocacy is closely tied to the national legal developments, particularly the ongoing litigation in *U.S. v. Texas*.
The Fifth Circuit and USCIS Updates: In January 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a decision regarding the DACA Final Rule, maintaining the program's precarious status. While USCIS continues to accept and process renewal applications for current DACA recipients, the program remains closed to new applicants, leaving a generation of younger undocumented students without protection.
ADAC provides essential services in this environment, including legal clinics, application assistance for renewals, and "Know Your Rights" workshops to help DACA recipients and their families navigate the constant uncertainty. Their work ensures that eligible individuals maintain their status and work authorization through the final rule's limited implementation.
4. Pushing for Federal Protections: The Dream Act of 2025
Recognizing that a permanent solution requires federal action, ADAC actively supports national legislative efforts. In December 2025, the reintroduction of the *Dream Act of 2025* by Senators Durbin and Murkowski, along with the bipartisan *American Dream and Promise Act of 2025*, provided a renewed focus for this advocacy.
These federal bills aim to create a conditional permanent resident status for Dreamers, offering a pathway to full citizenship and providing stability that DACA alone cannot guarantee. ADAC's role involves grassroots mobilization, coordinating with national organizations, and pressuring Arizona’s congressional delegation to support and pass comprehensive immigration reform. This national push is seen as the only long-term measure to truly secure the future of Dreamers, including Documented Dreamers, in Arizona and across the nation.
5. Empowering Students Through Direct Community Programs
Beyond the courtroom and the legislature, ADAC’s most direct impact comes through its community-focused initiatives. These programs are designed to build leadership, offer educational opportunities, and foster a sense of community among undocumented youth.
The Summer of Dreams 2025 Travel Abroad Program: A standout initiative for 2025 is the "Summer of Dreams 2025 Travel Abroad Program." This program allows DACA beneficiaries and other Dreamers, who are often restricted from international travel, to participate in global education and cultural projects. Utilizing the special advance parole process available to DACA recipients, the program provides a transformative opportunity for students to gain international experience, which is crucial for academic and career development.
Other vital programs include leadership training, voter registration drives (for eligible family members), and community rallies like the AZ #WeAreHome Summit, all aimed at developing the next generation of immigrant rights advocates and ensuring the community remains organized and politically engaged. The coalition understands that true change is built from the ground up, through empowered leaders and a unified community voice.
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