Expand legal pathways for certain undocumented immigrants?
This bill would reform the U.S. immigration system by increasing border security and creating new legal pathways for undocumented immigrants. It would require expanded border infrastructure, surveillance technology, and personnel, and mandate faster processing of asylum claims, including timelines for adjudication. The bill would establish a “Dignity Program” allowing undocumented immigrants who have been continuously present in the United States since a specified date to obtain a renewable temporary legal status if they pass background checks, pay restitution and taxes, and maintain employment or education. It would also provide a pathway for certain individuals brought to the United States as children to obtain permanent legal status if they meet requirements such as education, work, or military service.
Sponsor: Rep. Maria Salazar (Republican, Florida, District 27)
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Opponents say
• "We believe that a more humane and comprehensive approach to immigration reform is not only possible- it’s necessary. We need a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, especially those like TPS holders, whose lawful status is being stripped by [Trump’s] administration every day. We urge Members of Congress to consider the harmful impact of the Dignity Act and join us in opposing this bill." Source: African Communities Together
• "The vast majority of Americans support a pathway to citizenship and 80 percent firmly understand immigration to be one of our country’s greatest strengths. Yet, instead of being laser-focused on delivering permanent and lasting protections for millions, Congress couldn’t even spend the time drafting a new bill to meet this moment. Instead, they made cuts to an old bill that fails to permanently protect our communities from mass militarized raids, unidentified police kidnappings, and the devastating consequences of the latest reconciliation bill. The ‘Dignity Act’ might proclaim dignity in title, but fails outright to urgently protect millions from the dire, existential threats of this moment.” Source: United We Dream
Proponents say
• "For 40 years, every president and Congress has looked the other way while millions have lived here illegally, many working in key industries that keep our economy running. It’s the Achilles’ heel no one wants to fix. The Dignity Act offers a commonsense solution: certain undocumented immigrants can earn legal status, not citizenship, by working, paying taxes, and contributing to our country. No handouts. No shortcuts. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future." Source: Rep. Maria Salazar (Republican, Florida, District 27), sponsor of H.R. 4393
• "I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system." Source: Rep. Veronica Escobar (Republican, Texas, District 16), co-sponsor of H.R. 4393
• "Work permits for long-term immigrants leveled the playing field for American workers by bringing all workers under the same set of rules, preventing bad-faith employers from undercutting American workers with an unregulated workforce. Work permits for long-term immigrants lower costs…We want solutions. And Hispanic voters are extremely clear. To win, both parties must embrace work permits and legal status for long-term, law-abiding immigrant contributors.” Source: Rebecca Shi, CEO of the American Business Immigration Coalition Action
• "With the Dignity Act, Reps. Salazar and Escobar have offered actionable solutions to promote the core values of opportunity and hard work while appropriately focusing our immigration priorities on a strong and secure border, a workable system of enforcement that respects the rule of law and merit-based reforms that prioritize America’s economic interests.” Source: Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers
- Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Joins Bipartisan Lawmakers and Real Voices From Across America to Demand Action On the Dignity Act (Press Release)
- The Dignity Act (Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar)
- The DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act as ‘Rage Bait’ for Those Who Want More Enforcement (Center for Immigration Studies)
- Manufacturers, Lawmakers Discuss How to Make Immigration Work for America (National Association of Manufacturers)
- The DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act of 2025 Seeks to Transform U.S. Immigration (Greenberg Traurig)
- GOP battle over Salazar’s Dignity Act immigration bill has Republicans lashing out (The Hill)
- With Immigrants & Working Communities Under Siege, The “Dignity Act” Would Fail to Keep Millions Safe (United We Dream)
- Rep. Maria Salazar’s Largest Donors (OpenSecrets)
