On Tuesday, Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) introduced the Dignity Act of 2025, a bipartisan immigration reform proposal aimed at stabilizing the U.S. workforce and addressing long-standing gaps in the legal immigration system.
The bill comes amid the ongoing enforcement policies of President Donald Trump, which include large-scale deportation operations and heightened immigration raids targeting undocumented laborers.
The Dignity Act would offer undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2021 the ability to apply for legal status and work authorization for up to seven years.
Applicants would be required to pay restitution, regularly check in with the Department of Homeland Security, and maintain good legal standing. The program would not grant access to federal benefits or offer a path to citizenship, but it would allow for legal renewal based on compliance.
Salazar characterized the proposal as a “revolutionary” solution rooted in accountability, not amnesty. “No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship,” she said. “Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.” She emphasized that the bill is fully self-funded through immigrant-paid application fees and restitution, ensuring that taxpayers are not financially burdened.
The legislation also includes provisions to strengthen border security, formally end catch-and-release practices, and mandate nationwide use of E-Verify, a federal system for confirming employment eligibility. Additional workforce components include expanding training programs and apprenticeships for American citizens.
The proposal directly addresses the economic disruptions caused by Trump-era enforcement actions, including recent high-profile raids at California cannabis facilities that resulted in hundreds of arrests and one death. Escobar pointed to those events as evidence of a system in crisis. “Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable,” she said, adding that the bill restores “dignity” to immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades and contribute to the national economy.
Twenty bipartisan House members have signed on to the bill, suggesting early signs of cross-party momentum. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), a co-sponsor, cited constituent concerns from both employers and immigrant families. “The Dignity Act honors America’s legacy of being a nation of immigrants,” he said.
While the Trump administration remains focused on strict immigration enforcement, President Trump acknowledged in a recent interview that some form of flexibility may be necessary. In remarks on Fox News, Trump indicated that a “temporary pass” for some migrant workers might be under consideration, especially for agriculture. “The farmer knows. He’s not going to hire a murderer,” Trump said, signaling a potential shift in tone from earlier hardline positions.