Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) introduced the DIGNITY Act of 2025. This bipartisan immigration reform bill aims to address longstanding issues within America’s immigration system.
The introduction was supported by a group of 20 members, including Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17), David Valadao (CA-22), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Young Kim (CA-40), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Susie Lee (NV-03), Adam Gray (CA-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mike Levin (CA-49), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).
At a press conference at the U.S. Capitol, Rep. Salazar stated, “The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work.”
Rep. Escobar emphasized the importance of the act, saying, “I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system… The reintroduction of this legislation includes changes that reflect the challenges in today’s political environment.”
The Dignity Act proposes securing borders, restoring law and order, revitalizing the workforce, and allowing certain undocumented immigrants to earn legal status without amnesty or citizenship paths. It is funded through restitution payments and application fees from immigrants.
Congressman Lawler expressed support by noting frustrations in his district over job vacancies and family separations. Congressman Valadao highlighted his commitment to immigration reform as a priority.
Congressman Evans added his perspective as someone with personal ties to immigrant experiences: “As the grandson of Mexican immigrants… I’m proud to help introduce Congresswoman Salazar’s bipartisan DIGNITY Act.”
Key provisions include modern border infrastructure funding, mandatory E-Verify implementation, asylum process reforms, protections for Dreamers granting legal status, a seven-year legal status program for undocumented immigrants based on good conduct and restitution payments, workforce development expansions for American workers, and updates to visa categories.
The act has garnered support from various sectors including immigration groups, faith leaders, businesses, educators, and community leaders.
With increasing urgency due to national concerns over labor shortages and border security issues affecting communities across America—evidenced by recent events such as riots in Los Angeles—the need for comprehensive reform is clear.
This legislation seeks not only practical solutions but also aims at restoring dignity while ensuring accountability within an enforceable framework designed around compassion balanced with law enforcement measures.
