Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduce Dignity Act Immigration Reform

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), has introduced the Dignity Act of 2025, which would provide legal status—but not citizenship or federal benefits—to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. since before 2021, have no criminal record, and have consistently paid taxes. Applicants must pay $7,000 in restitution over seven years, with funds supporting workforce education for U.S. citizens, and are required to purchase private health insurance. The bill incorporates tough border security measures, including increased funding for border barriers, advanced technology, and mandatory E-Verify for employers. It seeks to address labor shortages in critical industries and respond to increased deportation efforts. While drawing bipartisan support, the act faces criticism from both immigration advocates and hardliners. The legislation represents a renewed attempt at comprehensive immigration reform amid ongoing U.S. immigration challenges.