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Bipartisan Bill Reintroduced to Protect Undocumented Immigrants

BENEFICIARIES WOULD BE THOSE WHO ENTERED BEFORE 2021

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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A bipartisan coalition of twenty U.S. congressmembers has introduced a bill aimed at curbing undocumented immigration and strengthening border security, while also granting temporary protection to workers who entered the country irregularly before 2021. Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar of Florida and Democratic Congresswoman Verónica Escobar of Texas presented a new version of the Dignity Act, which seeks to reform the U.S. immigration system.

The lawmakers urged U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, to bring the bill to the floor for debate. The plan proposes granting legal status to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States before 2021. This protection would provide eligible individuals with a work permit for up to seven years. Beneficiaries would need to pay restitution, undergo routine background checks, and check in regularly with the Department of Homeland Security.

The status would be renewable based on good conduct and restitution payments. However, recipients of this legal status would not be entitled to any federal benefits or a pathway to citizenship. It is also unclear whether they would be allowed to travel to their countries of origin. Those who would benefit the most include immigrants protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, who would be granted a pathway to permanent residency.

A New Attempt

The bill would also make the E-Verify employment verification program mandatory to prevent the hiring of undocumented workers. Additionally, it reforms the asylum system by prohibiting the release of asylum seekers into the U.S. while their cases are pending. It also updates visa categories to better align with current needs and enhances border security. “This is a groundbreaking bill that offers a solution to our immigration crisis,” stated Salazar.

The Florida representative added that the bill serves multiple purposes. “With this bill, we can secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and offer a well-deserved opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work,” she said. For her part, Escobar said the bill is “a realistic and sensible compromise” that has a chance of passing and urged both Democratic and Republican colleagues to support it. “We must take this moment seriously—it’s our duty to find a solution,” she said.

Since 2021, Salazar and Escobar have introduced this bill in hopes of gaining bipartisan support, though without success. Unlike previous versions, this year’s proposal is fully funded through restitution payments and application fees paid by immigrants, requiring no taxpayer dollars, the congresswomen emphasized. The bill comes amid a rise in immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Bipartisan Bill Reintroduced to Protect Undocumented Immigrants

Gabe Evans Supports the Bill

Congressman Gabe Evans expressed his support for the Dignity Act. The representative from Colorado’s 8th District stated that as the grandson of immigrants and with experience as both a police officer and a soldier, he understands the need for an immigration system that combines “border security with compassion.” His support for the Salazar-Escobar proposal is a direct response to calls from Latino business owners and community members seeking opportunities for those who work hard and follow the law.