It has been decades since the U.S. Congress passed meaningful immigration reform. Now, a new bipartisan bill—the
Dignity Act of 2025
—has entered the conversation. Introduced by Representatives Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), this proposal marks a rare moment of agreement across party lines to address long-standing issues in our immigration system.The bill touches on almost every major area of immigration law, from undocumented status to border enforcement, asylum reform, legal immigration backlogs, and work authorization. It includes controversial provisions but also long-overdue reforms.
What Does the Dignity Act Propose?
- A “Dignity Program” offering renewable 7-year legal status to undocumented individuals who have been in the U.S. since January 1, 2021. Participants must pay a $7,000 restitution fee, pass a background check, and obtain health insurance. However, this version of the bill does not offer a path to citizenship.
- Dreamers (including DACA recipients) would have a clear path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders could apply without paying the restitution fee.
- Major investments in border security including new barriers, surveillance, and expedited asylum screenings that would drastically change how humanitarian protection cases are processed.
- Reforms to the visa system, such as eliminating per-country caps and allowing premium processing for those stuck in backlogs over 10 years.
- New restrictions: Mandated use of E-Verify, increased employer penalties, and fast-tracked deportation processes for asylum seekers at the border.
AILA’s Response
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has not endorsed the bill, but has praised the bipartisan effort as an important step toward serious reform. In the words of AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson:
“This effort demonstrates what a real conversation on immigration can look like—one rooted in American values of fairness and opportunity… Congress should rise to the challenge and finally deliver the effective immigration reform our country deserves.”
Our Perspective
At KAZA Law, we recognize the urgency for change. Too many families are living in fear, too many workers are stuck in limbo, and too many children are growing up without legal certainty. But we also know that proposals are just the beginning.
The Dignity Act is not yet law. It must go through committees, amendments, and both chambers of Congress before reaching the President. That means nothing has changed yet. But if and when this bill moves forward, we will be ready to help you understand how it may affect your case.
In the meantime, we continue to fight for our clients, advocate for humane immigration policies, and push back against fear-based enforcement tactics.
Stay informed. Stay protected. And stay hopeful.
We will issue a full analysis and public comment if the bill advances.
My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the challenges and limited options for obtaining a green card while on a tourist visa. If you’re considering adjusting your status or have questions about family-based sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or other immigration pathways, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. If you need personalized advice or have any immigration-related concerns, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.
Kaza Law PLLC
This article is general education, not legal advice. Every case turns on its specific facts. If you want guidance on your own situation, reach out and we will look at it with you.