As the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement, a bipartisan push in the House seeks to offer certain migrants illegally in the U.S. a chance to remain in the country and keep working without offering a path to citizenship. The proposal, known as the Dignity Act, has garnered more than 20 co-sponsors in the House.
What does the Dignity Act do?
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a key supporter, said in a press release, “Those who entered America illegally in the past but otherwise are working and being a good neighbor will pay a fine and not be eligible for citizenship. This allows them to continue working and contribute to our economy and workforce.”
The bill would allow long-term unauthorized immigrants — specifically, those who arrived before 2021 — to avoid deportation. It would also enable them to retain work authorization under strict conditions. Participants must enroll in a seven-year program, during which they would pay a total of $7,000 to the federal government.
No pathway to citizenship
Anyone who applies must obey all U.S. laws, pass a criminal background check, pay back taxes and stay current on income taxes. They also must check in with the Department of Homeland Security every two years.
After seven years, they may apply for “Dignity Status.” This status allows them to remain in the U.S. permanently, as long as they continue to follow the law. The program does not provide a path to citizenship.
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., a leading sponsor, wrote, “The Dignity Act … offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work.”
Participants would be ineligible for federal benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps and housing assistance.
“No Amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future,” Salazar said.
Under the bill, participants would be exempt from payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare but a 1% wage tax would be deducted from their paycheck.
GOP skeptics point to Trump agenda
Some Republicans have voiced concern, especially after Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The law, backed by President Donald Trump, allocates $350 billion for border and national security, including funding for 100,000 new detention beds and 10,000 new ICE officers.
Conservative podcaster Steve Bannon told Newsweek the legislation has zero chance of going anywhere. He accused Salazar of “pushing amnesty since she got to Congress.”
Bannon also wrote on social media, “Traitorous Republicans: MASS DEPORTATIONS NOW; AMNESTY NEVER.” He called the bill a fantasy that just attracts more people to the United States.
