Rep. Maria Salazar Introduces Bipartisan Immigration Reform Bill

Republican Representative Maria Salazar of Florida has introduced a bipartisan immigration reform bill known as the "Dignity Act of 2025," co-sponsored by Democrat Veronica Escobar, which aims to provide legal status for certain undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. since 2021. The bill establishes a "Dignity Program" granting up to seven years of legal residence and work authorization, contingent on a restitution fee, legal compliance, and regular check-ins with the Department of Homeland Security, but it does not offer federal benefits or a pathway to citizenship. The legislation also proposes a $70 billion fund for American workforce training, border security enhancements such as barriers and technology, mandatory nationwide E-Verify for employers, DNA testing to verify family relationships at the border, and reforms to expedite asylum processing and penalize fraudulent claims. This initiative contrasts with President Trump's ongoing mass deportation efforts, although he has indicated consideration of protections for illegal aliens in key industries, sparking debate among conservative supporters. Meanwhile, H.R. 4234, the "Safeguarding Americans From Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act," seeks to tighten national security by restricting parole for individuals with suspected terrorist ties or criminal records, emphasizing urgent humanitarian or public benefit exceptions only on a case-by-case basis. Together, these legislative efforts reflect the current complex and divided approach to U.S. immigration policy under the 2025 Trump administration.