Overview

• Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar formally introduced the Dignity Act on July 15 to grant eligible undocumented immigrants up to seven years of legal status with work authorization.
• Applicants must have been in the U.S. before 2021, pay restitution fees, undergo regular DHS check-ins and remain ineligible for federal benefits or citizenship.
• The legislation mandates nationwide E-Verify for employers, allocates funding for border security upgrades and restricts ICE operations in places such as schools, churches, hospitals and playgrounds.
• All program costs are covered by participant-paid restitution and application fees without drawing on taxpayer funds.
• The bill has secured support from nine Republican and multiple Democratic co-sponsors and now awaits consideration in the House committee.