Legal status for 7 years for undocumented immigrants in the U.S.: here’s who The Dignity Act helps, and who it doesn’t
Representative María Elvira Salazar introduced a proposal to grant legal status to certain undocumented immigrants.
Representatives María Elvira Salazar and Verónica Escobar have introduced a new version of the Dignity Act, a legislative proposal that, among other measures, would grant legal status for up to seven years to undocumented immigrants who meet specific requirements.
“The Dignity Act of 2025 is a groundbreaking bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and give long-standing immigrants a well-deserved chance to stay and work here. No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path toward economic stability and a better future,” said Salazar, who represents Florida, at a press conference.
Escobar, a representative from Texas, said it’s possible to “enact laws that incorporate both humanity and security, and the Dignity Act of 2025 offers a balanced approach that restores dignity to those who’ve tried to navigate a broken system for far too long.”
Who would qualify for the 7-year legal status?
If passed, the bill would establish the Dignity Program, granting a temporary 7-year legal status to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for five years or more – that is, since before 2021.
In addition to the residency requirement, applicants would need to pass a criminal background check and pay $7,000 in restitution over the seven-year period. Participants in the program would not be eligible for federal benefits or aid, nor would they be allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship – but they could continue to live and work legally in the country.
The bill has only been introduced in the House of Representatives. To become law, it must pass both the House and the Senate and then be signed by President Donald Trump.
What else is in the Dignity Act?
The legislation also includes a range of provisions on border security, internal enforcement, asylum processing, economic growth and employment.
It calls for the construction of enhanced physical barriers and expanded use of advanced surveillance and monitoring technologies along the border. It would also make the E-Verify system mandatory nationwide, increase penalties for illegal border crossings and for child sex traffickers, and establish “humanitarian campuses” near the southern border to process asylum seekers in federal custody.
The lawmakers behind the bill emphasized that the Dignity Act would not rely on taxpayer dollars. Instead, it would be fully funded through fees and restitution payments from undocumented immigrants – with the added aim of reducing the national debt.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.