WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rare moment in Washington this week, with Democrats and Republicans- not only finding- but also touting common ground on immigration.
The bipartisan DIGNITY Act of 2025, introduced by Florida Republican María Salazar and Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar — is quickly building momentum, now backed by 60 national organizations and dozens of lawmakers, including Congressman Mike Kelly.
“In a nation that has always gone forward because of people who came here from someplace else to make this country great- and we’ve got to make a great again. I talked to the president about this- this is an incredible opportunity,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.
Supporters say it’s the most serious bipartisan immigration reform proposal in decades — and the only one currently on the table.
“This is an economic bill. This is a national security bill. This is a practical bill,” said Rep. Escobar, D-TX.
At its core: tougher enforcement paired with a structured, earned process for undocumented immigrants already living and working in the U.S.
For undocumented immigrants in the U.S. for 5+ years, the DIGNITY Act would provide seven years of legal status with work authorization. It does not provide federal benefits, amnesty, nor a pathway to citizenship.
“It’s not about amnesty, it’s about dignity,” said Kelly.
However, the program is renewable and includes protections for Dreamers, who are undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children.
Congresswoman Salazar describes the Dignity Act as a new status for undocumented immigrants.
“It’s not green card, not path to citizenship. It is a new labor status,” said Rep. Salazar, R-FL. “They are undocumented, they are illegals, whatever you want to call it- they are people who do not have a criminal record, who broke the law, but someone gave them a job for a long time. And by giving them a job has made all our lives much better and cheaper.”
The bill would strengthen border security — adding personnel, enforcing mandatory E-Verify and ending so-called “catch-and-release.” New “humanitarian campuses” would help fast track asylum claims — with most cases decided in just 60 days, according to bill sponsors.
The legislation also targets the U.S. workforce — creating a $70 billion American Worker Fund to train U.S. workers — paid for entirely by immigrant fees, not taxpayers.
Participants would have to pass background checks, pay $7,000 in restitution, and regularly check in with federal authorities. Lawmakers say it’s a win for both businesses and American jobs. For now, supporters say momentum is growing — and the pressure to act is only building.
More information on the DIGNITY Act of 2025 can be found here.
