Overview

• Unveiled July 15–16 by Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, the bill creates a seven-year renewable “Programa Dignidad” granting work authorization, travel rights and deportation protection for undocumented migrants who arrived before 2021, passed background checks, paid fines and maintained a clean criminal record
• A special provision lets DACA beneficiaries pursue permanent residency followed by eventual U.S. citizenship under a separate Dreamers pathway
• The package mandates nationwide use of E-Verify, establishes regional asylum processing centers in the United States and Latin America, increases ICE oversight, allocates funds for border security upgrades at ports of entry
• Supporters point to a Gallup poll showing 79% of U.S. adults view immigration positively—the highest level in 25 years—as evidence of rare momentum for compromise
• Ongoing deportations and tougher bond policies under President Trump continue to intensify pressure on Congress to address acute labor shortages through legislative relief