Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Dignity Act Offering Legal Status to Millions of Undocumented Immigrants

The Dignity Act of 2025 is a bipartisan immigration reform bill introduced by lawmakers including Representatives María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, aiming to provide a legal pathway for certain undocumented immigrants without offering citizenship or amnesty. The act proposes a seven-year Dignity Program allowing immigrants who arrived before 2021, have no criminal history, pay a $7,000 fine, and remain law-abiding to obtain legal status and work authorization while excluding them from federal benefits. Supporters emphasize that the bill secures the border, restores law and order, and revitalizes the workforce by offering accountability rather than handouts. Some conservative critics oppose the legislation, viewing it as amnesty, while proponents argue it is a commonsense solution balancing enforcement with economic and social realities. The act also includes provisions to modernize the immigration system, protect Dreamers meeting certain criteria, and expedite asylum processing. This legislation reflects a shift toward accommodating long-term undocumented residents while maintaining strict conditions and enforcement.