Is Any Amnesty for Undocumented Immigrants Available Now?

Very occasionally, the U.S. Congress will authorize an "amnesty" for undocumented immigrants (also called illegal aliens)—that is, a pardon for unlawful status and a path to lawful permanent residence (a green card).

Such an amnesty program was offered in the late 1980s, for example. The requirements included that applicants prove they had been living or working in the U.S. for a certain length of time and had good moral character. They first received temporary status, then, after 18 months, could become eligible for green cards, provided they demonstrated that they could speak English.

In recent years, U.S. lawmakers have proposed various bills offering amnesty-like paths to a green card, but couldn't agree on any. The second Trump term is highly unlikely to bring any new alternatives, since its prime movers has been actively exploring ways to limit U.S. immigration, including through mass deportations. In fact, it may undermine many of the possibilities described below.

In the meantime, here are the existing laws that come closest to immigration relief for the undocumented.

Cancellation of Removal: a Path to a Green Card in Deportation Proceedings

A remedy called Non-LPR Cancellation of Removal allows non-citizens who have already been placed in removal (deportation) proceedings to ask the immigration court judge to grant a green card. There are strict eligibility requirements, however, including that:

• they have been living ("continuously physically present") in the U.S. for at least 10 years
• their deportation from the U.S. would cause "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship" to qualifying relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs),
• they have "good moral character," and
• they have not been convicted of certain crimes or violated certain laws.

This remedy cannot be applied for affirmatively. One must be in immigration court proceedings first, presumably either after an arrest by U.S. immigration authorities or denial of some other form of immigration application and a referral to immigration court.

DACA Offers Some Undocumented Immigrants a Temporary Right to Live and Work in the U.S.

There is a program temporarily in place providing for the deferred deportation of certain people who came to the U.S. as children and meet several guidelines (known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA). This is not a law, but an Executive Order implemented by President Barack Obama. Eligible applicants receive a U.S. work permit.

The first Trump Administration attempted to terminate this program, and succeeded in stopping new applications. After multiple lawsuits, the situation as of early 2025 is that one cannot submit a new DACA application. Renewals, however, remained an option for people already holding DACA. The second Trump administration is making plans to remove this possibility, as well.

Get Legal Help If You Hear of Amnesty Possibilities

The chances of an upcoming amnesty or path to a green card depend on the U.S. Congress, but nothing is on the horizon as of late 2025. Beware of the many scammers or fake lawyers who urge immigrants to pay to submit an application during a time when no such application exists.

If you hear news of an amnesty, be sure to choose a highly qualified immigration attorney to evaluate your situation and help you apply. Or, the attorney might be able to identify another immigration benefit or remedy you could apply for.