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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, I along with more than 20 lawmakers, introduced the bipartisan DIGNITY Act of 2025: a bold, historic, and commonsense immigration reform bill.
At a press conference held at the U.S. Capitol, I outlined a revolutionary path forward to fix a system that has been broken for decades.
The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work. No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.
The Dignity Act delivers a long-overdue solution: it secures the border, restores law and order, revitalizes the American Workforce, and allows certain long-term undocumented immigrants to earn legal status, without amnesty or a path to citizenship. The bill restores order while offering a tough but fair opportunity for those who have contributed to the country.
Unlike past efforts, the DIGNITY Act is fully funded through restitution payments and application fees made by immigrants, requiring NO taxpayer dollars.
KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DIGNITY ACT INCLUDE:
Border Security: Fully funds modern border infrastructure and enforcement.
Mandatory E-Verify: Prevents illegal hiring and protects American jobs.
Asylum Reform: Ends catch-and-release, and ensures timely and credible outcomes.
Dreamer Protections: Grants legal status and a path to permanent residency.
The Dignity Program: A 7-year earned legal status program allowing undocumented immigrants to live and work legally, with renewable status based on good conduct and restitution.
Workforce Development: Expands training, apprenticeships, and education for American workers.
Legal Immigration Reform: Updates visa categories to align with 21st-century economic needs.
With growing bipartisan support and endorsements from immigration groups, faith leaders, businesses, the agricultural sector, educators, and community leaders, the Dignity Act presents the strongest and most viable opportunity in years to achieve meaningful, lasting immigration reform.
The legislation acknowledges a key truth: most undocumented individuals are not seeking citizenship at all costs, but rather the dignity of living and working legally, contributing to society, paying taxes, being safe from deportation, and traveling to see family during the holidays.
At the same time, the Dignity Act makes clear that this will be the final fix, because real border security and enforcement must be in place to prevent future crises.
WHY NOW?
The immigration crisis is no longer confined to border towns. From the recent riots in Los Angeles to overwhelmed communities across the country, the consequences of a broken system are unfolding in plain sight. Millions live in the shadows, our economy suffers from labor shortages, and the border remains a flashpoint of national concern.
For too long, Congress has failed to act, leaving communities, law enforcement, and immigrants caught in a system that doesn't work.
The Dignity Act delivers a real solution: secure the border and provide undocumented immigrants who meet strict conditions with an earned opportunity to live and work legally, with dignity and accountability.
It balances compassion with law and order.
This is a defining moment to act. The American people want security, dignity, and a system that works. The Dignity Act makes that possible.
For generations, the United States has been a beacon of hope for those fleeing violence, seeking opportunity, and building a better life. But our broken immigration system has left too many in the shadows and too many Americans without answers.
The Dignity Act reaffirms that while we are a nation of laws, we are also a nation of second chances. By restoring order and creating a clear, enforceable process, this legislation renews the American legacy of hope and opportunity.
RESOURCES:
Full press conference, click here.
One-pager on the Dignity Act, click here.
Detailed summary of the Dignity Act, click here.
Section-by-section breakdown of the Dignity Act, click here.
Full text of the bill, click here.
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