What will change for immigrants in the United States following the Democratic victory in Congress?

The Democratic Party's victory in the 2026 legislative elections opens the door to potential changes in United States immigration policy.

Although any reform must move through legislative channels and face political challenges, immigrant advocacy organizations believe that the new composition of Congress could promote measures requested by millions of people living in the country without permanent immigration status.

According to the United We Dream Action organization, the election results sent a message in favor of immigration solutions that provide greater stability for immigrant workers, beneficiaries of temporary programs, and mixed-status families living in the United States.

Citizenship for Dreamers could return to being a priority

One of the changes most awaited by pro-immigrant organizations is the push for a path to citizenship for Dreamers, people who arrived in the United States as minors.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has backed initiatives such as the Dream and Promise Act, considered by immigration groups as a solution to grant permanent residence and eventually citizenship to beneficiaries of DACA, TPS, and other long-term immigrants in the country.

For its part, United We Dream maintains that a Democratic majority could facilitate the discussion of legislation that protects millions of immigrants from deportation and allows families to remain united.

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Less emphasis on the expansion of detentions and deportations

Another priority is reducing dependence on policies based on the mass detention of immigrants.

The ACLU has criticized for years the extensive use of immigration detention centers, arguing that hundreds of thousands of people are locked up unnecessarily and that many face inhumane conditions while awaiting the resolution of their cases.

Likewise, more than 160 organizations have requested that Congress limit the growth of the budget allocated to agencies like ICE and CBP, and redirect efforts toward permanent immigration solutions.

More protection for TPS and DACA beneficiaries

There is also concern regarding the uncertainty faced by people covered by temporary programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

According to United We Dream Action, millions of people could benefit if Congress passes legislation that transforms these temporary protections into permanent status.

The ACLU has supported measures that grant legal certainty to those who have lived for years in the United States, work, pay taxes, and are part of their communities.

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Possible changes to the asylum system

Migrant advocacy organizations hope that the new legislative majority will promote a more humanitarian approach toward asylum seekers.

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) maintains that seeking asylum is a legal right recognized in both U.S. law and international agreements. The organization argues that immigration policies must respect due process and the protection of people fleeing persecution, violence, or humanitarian disasters.

According to the NILC, immigration reform should seek to balance border security with respect for human rights and access to the international protection system.

Local protection policies could be strengthened

Some organizations believe that a Congress controlled by Democrats could back state and municipal policies that limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration agencies.

In documents presented to Congress, the National Immigration Law Center has noted that states and cities that adopt policies protecting immigrants tend to record favorable economic indicators and greater trust between the immigrant community and local authorities.

Will there be immediate changes?

Not necessarily. Although the Democratic victory increases the possibilities of discussing immigration reforms, any initiative must be approved through the federal legislative process and could face complex political negotiations.

Millions of immigrants could see a more favorable political scenario in Washington, although concrete changes will depend on the capacity of Congress to turn those proposals into laws.

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