“The invisible heroes who feed us shouldn’t live in fear any longer,” declared Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar as she introduced her most ambitious immigration proposal to date this Tuesday in Washington. The Dignity Act of 2025 aims to offer legal status to undocumented immigrants who have resided in the United States for at least five years and have no criminal record. In a Capitol Hill press conference, Salazar, alongside Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and supported by 20 bipartisan legislators, unveiled the latest version of her project.
Salazar emphasized that the act is “not amnesty, citizenship, or handouts,” but rather a path to stability and recognition for those who have quietly supported the economy. The proposal is anchored in two main programs:
The Core of the Dignity Act
The Dignity Program: This initiative provides legal status for seven years, renewable, to immigrants meeting specific criteria: a clean criminal record, tax payments, background checks, and a $7,000 fee paid in installments. Although they won’t receive public benefits, participants can work legally, return to their home countries, and live without fear of deportation.
The Redemption Program: Upon completing the Dignity Program, immigrants can apply for permanent residency by fulfilling additional requirements such as learning English, passing civics tests, paying an extra $5,000, or engaging in community service.
“Those working, without criminal records, with American children, and paying taxes deserve to live with dignity,” stated Salazar. She described this as a solution to the immigration chaos faced for over 40 years. Addressing former President Donald Trump, she urged support for the initiative, suggesting, “You can be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery.”
Who Stands to Benefit?
Salazar has emphasized protecting Cubans with I-220A, a status given to those who entered irregularly and remain without defined status. She also advocated for individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), including Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans. However, the act excludes those who entered under the humanitarian parole program, recently terminated by Trump, which now requires their departure and revokes work permits.
The Dignity Act also includes:
- Funding for border infrastructure and security through immigrant fees and fines, not taxpayer money.
- Mandatory E-Verify to prevent illegal hiring.
- Asylum system reform and a pathway to permanent residency for Dreamers.
- Promotion of workforce development and reform of visa categories to meet 21st-century economic needs.
A Third Way: Dignity Over Deportation
Salazar describes this initiative as one of “order, law, and dignity,” claiming it could prevent mass deportations and the collapse of crucial sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services. “Without these workers, there’s no food on the table. They don’t seek privileges, just the chance to live without fear,” she asserted.
The proposal represents an effort to break the political stalemate that has stalled immigration reform in the United States for decades. “Enough of choosing between amnesty or deportation. There’s a third way, and it’s called dignity,” concluded Salazar.
Key Aspects of the Dignity Act of 2025
What is the primary goal of the Dignity Act of 2025?
The main objective is to provide legal status to undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years and have no criminal record, offering them stability and recognition.
Who introduced the Dignity Act of 2025?
The act was introduced by Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, alongside Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, with bipartisan support from 20 legislators.
How does the Dignity Program work?
The Dignity Program grants a renewable seven-year legal status to immigrants meeting certain conditions, such as having a clean record, paying taxes, passing background checks, and paying a $7,000 fee.