Groundbreaking legislation aims to secure borders, restore law and order, and offer legal dignity to long-term undocumented immigrants
In a bold and historic move, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) introduced a reimagined version of the DIGNITY Act—legislation designed to finally bring clarity, security, and compassion to America's long-broken immigration system. In partnership with Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, the DIGNITY Act of 2025 signals the strongest and most balanced effort in decades to solve one of the country’s most urgent challenges.
Standing on the Capitol steps, Rep. Salazar addressed the nation:
"This is not amnesty. It’s not about handouts. It’s about accountability. It’s about dignity—for our economy, our borders, and millions of hardworking people who are already here and want to follow the rules." - Maria Elvira Salazar
A new era of immigration policy: what the DIGNITY Act proposes
The DIGNITY Act introduces a multi-pronged approach that tightens border security while offering a structured path to legal status—without granting automatic citizenship. The key provisions include:
- Border Security: Full funding for enhanced infrastructure and border enforcement
- Mandatory E-Verify: Enforces legal hiring to protect American workers
- Asylum Reform: Ends “catch-and-release” policies and streamlines fair hearings
- Dreamer Protections: Creates legal status and a path to residency for Dreamers
- The Dignity Program: A 7-year legal status pathway with strict good conduct requirements, restitution payments, and no access to citizenship
Unlike previous proposals, this bill requires no taxpayer funding, relying instead on immigrant application fees and restitution payments.
The bill also invests in workforce development, expands training programs for American workers, and modernizes visa categories to meet today’s labor demands.
Why the DIGNITY Act matters now—especially for Miami and Hispanic communities
In areas like Miami’s District 27—home to many immigrants who have lived and worked in the U.S. for decades—the DIGNITY Act represents both policy and hope. It acknowledges that many undocumented individuals aren’t demanding citizenship, but rather the right to live legally, pay taxes, and support their families in peace.
Rep. Salazar’s leadership resonates with Miami’s Latino population, many of whom understand the value of security, structure, and hard work. This bill reflects those values.
Rep. Escobar, her Democratic co-lead, emphasized that compromise is not weakness, but necessity:
“This is about restoring order and humanity. Immigrants are essential to our communities and economy—and this legislation treats them with fairness and dignity.” - Maria Elvira Salazar
As national tensions surrounding immigration rise, and cities across America feel the impact of outdated policy, the DIGNITY Act offers a realistic and enforceable path forward.
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This is a historic moment for Hispanic communities. Whether you're an immigrant, business owner, or advocate, now is the time to pay attention and get involved.
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