Bipartisan US Lawmakers Introduce Dignity Act to Legalise Undocumented Immigrants

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced the Dignity Act, a major immigration proposal aimed at granting legal status and work authorisation to long-term undocumented immigrants without offering a path to citizenship.

The bill, backed by 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats, outlines a structured programme for individuals who have lived in the United States since 31 December 2020. Its central feature, the Dignity Programme, would run for seven years and require participants to pass background checks, follow federal and state laws, and pay any outstanding taxes.

Applicants would also pay a restitution fee totalling $7,000 and contribute a 1 percent levy on their income to support American workers. Those who complete the programme would receive “Dignity Status”, allowing them to remain legally in the country but without access to federal benefits.

Supporters describe the measure as a practical approach to immigration enforcement and reform. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a co-sponsor of the bill, has argued that it emphasises accountability by requiring participants to meet legal and financial obligations in order to remain in the country.

Critics, however, argue that the proposal effectively permits undocumented immigrants to stay and should therefore be considered a form of amnesty. Advocacy organisations, including the Immigration Accountability Project, have opposed the bill on these grounds. Some commentators have called instead for stricter enforcement measures, including large-scale deportations.

The debate has also been linked to broader legislative efforts, such as the SAVE America Act, which proposes stricter voter registration requirements. These discussions reflect wider political divisions over immigration policy and national identity.

The Dignity Act also addresses the status of “Dreamers” and recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. While it does not establish a direct route to citizenship, it includes provisions for legal protections and possible eligibility for permanent residency for certain groups, including children of H-1B visa holders.