A bipartisan group of lawmakers reintroduced the DIGNITY Act on Tuesday, aiming to overhaul the U.S. immigration system and provide a legal pathway for long-term undocumented immigrants.
The legislation was announced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) with support from over a dozen co-sponsors.
Pathway to Legal Status Through the Dignity Program
@queondamagazine A new bipartisan immigration bill is back on the table. The DIGNITY Act could give millions of undocumented immigrants a path to legal status — with strict conditions. It’s the first serious reform attempt in nearly 40 years. Will it finally pass?#ImmigrationReform #DignityAct #ImmigrationNews #immigrantworkers #legalstatus ♬ original sound – Que Onda Magazine
The DIGNITY Act proposes a “Dignity Program” granting legal status, including work and travel permits, to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. Participants must clear background checks, pay taxes, and contribute $7,000 in restitution over seven years. They could renew their status indefinitely but would remain ineligible for federal benefits.
Escobar: Long Overdue Reform
Rep. Escobar highlighted that comprehensive immigration reform hasn’t passed in nearly 40 years. She emphasized the bill’s benefits for Dreamers, mixed-status families, and the broader U.S. economy.
“This will help millions… who are a critical component of the American economy,” Escobar stated.
Border Security, Asylum Reform, and Workforce Investment
The bill includes stronger border security measures, protects sensitive locations from enforcement actions, and reforms the asylum process to ensure decisions within 60 days. It also aims to reduce visa backlogs and dedicates $70 billion for training American workers.
Amid Trump-Era Deportation Crackdowns
The proposal comes as the Trump administration faces legal pushback on mass deportations. A federal judge recently halted indiscriminate ICE raids in California. Meanwhile, California farm workers announced a three-day national strike demanding citizenship for undocumented farm workers and protesting immigration raids.
Fears in Immigrant Communities
“The immigrant communities across America are terrified,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He stressed the urgency for consensus and policies that protect immigrant families from fear and separation.
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