Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar introduced the Dignity Act of 2025, which aims to provide undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. since before 2021 and have no criminal records with up to seven years of legal status.

Salazar believes Trump could take a significant stand on immigration reform, similar to Reagan's approach to communism, and has actively inspected enforcement practices, touring detention facilities.

The legislation seeks to address immigration backlogs, improve border infrastructure, and includes measures for ICE accountability and protections for sensitive locations from immigration enforcement.

Salazar has called on President Trump to support these reforms, comparing their potential impact to historic reforms led by figures like Lincoln and Reagan, and noting that Trump has hinted at the need for immigration reform.

Applicants under the act would pay $7,000 in restitution fees and be required to regularly report to the Department of Homeland Security to maintain their protected status.

The bill has garnered support from 18 bipartisan co-sponsors, though it is a scaled-back version of a previous 2023 attempt that had 38 co-sponsors.

The legislation aims to mitigate the impacts of Trump-era immigration crackdowns, which have severely affected industries like agriculture and food services reliant on migrant labor.

The bill's motivation includes concerns that aggressive deportation policies could harm sectors dependent on undocumented workers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.

Salazar describes the bill as a crucial first step toward reforming a broken system, highlighting the devastating effects of current policies on immigrants and communities.

Supporters are optimistic that the bill's lack of a pathway to citizenship or amnesty could foster bipartisan support, especially amid shifting voter attitudes favoring immigration.

Over a dozen lawmakers from both parties support the bill, which aligns with recent efforts by the Trump administration to offer protections and easier access to work visas for migrant workers.

The legislation has received backing from immigration groups, faith leaders, and businesses, signaling a strong opportunity for meaningful reform.

Escobar emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach that combines humanity and security, advocating for bipartisan solutions to the immigration crisis.