Overview
- Reps. María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar introduced the DIGNITY Act of 2025 with roughly 20 co-sponsors.
- If enacted, consular officers could no longer deny F-1 visas solely because applicants cannot prove they will depart after their studies.
- The bill would not create a new path to remain in the U.S. after graduation, and students would still need to qualify for work or other visas.
- DHS has separately proposed replacing open-ended duration-of-status admissions for F, J, and I visas with fixed admission periods.
- Fixed-term stays could force students to seek more frequent extensions or leave earlier than planned, even as intent-based denials are curtailed.