U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Veronica Escobar of Texas, along with 20 other representatives, introduced the Dignity Act of 2025 on July 15. The act is a new version of the Dignity Act immigration reform bill originally introduced in May of 2023.
“The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work,” Salazar said. “No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.”
“I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system,” Escobar added. “Immigrants — especially those who have been in the United States for decades — make up a critical component of our communities and also of the American workforce and economy. We can enact legislation that incorporates both humanity and security, and the Dignity Act of 2025 offers a balanced approach that restores dignity to people who have tried to navigate a broken system for far too long. It is our hope that Congress seizes the opportunity to take an important step forward on this issue.”
A media release by Salazar stated that the Dignity Act secures the border, restores law and order, revitalizes the American workforce and allows certain long-term undocumented immigrants to earn legal status without amnesty or a path to citizenship. It added that the act is fully funded through restitution payments and application fees made by immigrants.
Key provisions of the Dignity Act include:
- Border Security: Fully funds modern border infrastructure and enforcement
- Mandatory E-Verify: Prevents illegal hiring and protects American jobs
- Asylum Reform: Ends catch-and-release and ensures timely and credible outcomes
- Dreamer Protections: Grants legal status and a path to permanent residency
- The Dignity Program: A seven-year earned legal status program allowing undocumented immigrants to live and work legally, with renewable status based on good conduct and restitution
- Workforce Development: Expands training, apprenticeships and education for American workers
- Legal Immigration Reform: Updates visa categories to align with 21st-century economic needs
For more information, see a detailed summary of the Dignity Act or the full text of the bill.
Source: U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar
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