WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a new immigration bill that would provide a path to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants, signaling a rare moment of cross-party cooperation—and a potential shift in Republican attitudes—amid President Donald Trump’s strict deportation-focused agenda.
The proposed legislation, known as the Dignity Act, was reintroduced on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida and Democratic Representative Veronica Escobar of Texas. The measure aims to reform key aspects of the U.S. immigration system by balancing border security with long-term legalization pathways.
According to Newsweek, the bill includes provisions to:
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Establish a structured program allowing long-time undocumented immigrants to work legally before becoming eligible for a green card;
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Reform the asylum system, including access to legal representation;
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Create regional processing centers to deter dangerous crossings at the southern border;
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Invest in technological and human resources at the U.S.-Mexico border;
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Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented youth brought to the U.S. as children—commonly known as “Dreamers.”
Republicans Break Ranks with Trump
Significantly, more than a dozen Republican lawmakers have co-sponsored the bill, despite its sharp contrast with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Trump just days earlier, which expands detention powers, eliminates bail hearings, and imposes major barriers to legalization.
The Republican co-sponsors include:
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Maria Elvira Salazar (FL)
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Mario Diaz-Balart (FL)
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Brian Fitzpatrick (PA)
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Mike Lawler (NY)
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Dan Newhouse (WA)
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David Valadao (CA)
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Mike Kelly (PA)
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Gabe Evans (CO)
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Marlin Stutzman (IN)
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Don Bacon (NE)
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Young Kim (CA)
Speaking to Newsweek, Rep. Salazar emphasized the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. economy:
“Yes, they broke the law, but they’ve been here for years. They’re working. They’re contributing to our economy. We need their hands if we want to remain the world’s leading power.”
She described the bill as “the most significant immigration reform in a generation.”
While the move has sparked backlash among some conservatives—who denounce the bill as a form of “amnesty”—public sentiment may be shifting. A Gallup poll published on July 11 found that just 48% of Republican voters now support reducing immigration levels, down from 88% in 2024, Newsweek reports.
Despite bipartisan support, the bill’s prospects remain uncertain. Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi, quoted by Newsweek, highlighted the legal friction between this proposal and the newly enacted Trump-era law.
“The Dignity Act directly collides with the priorities of H.R.1. Unless Congress revises these repressive provisions, there’s no real space for compromise,” Berardi said.
Still, she believes the measure could reopen serious policy discussions—particularly regarding undocumented farmworkers and labor shortages in key industries.
Democrats Stress Urgency of Reform
Democratic lawmakers backing the proposal insist on the urgency of action.
“I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by a broken immigration system. This bill is a realistic first step toward the reform our families, businesses, and institutions deserve,” said Rep. Veronica Escobar in a statement quoted by Newsweek.
California Democrat Adam Gray echoed that sentiment, noting:
“The Central Valley economy wouldn’t function without immigrant labor. We need laws that reflect on-the-ground reality, not ideological punishment.”
Democratic co-sponsors of the bill include:
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Veronica Escobar (TX)
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Salud Carbajal (CA)
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Lori Trahan (MA)
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Adam Gray (CA)
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Jake Auchincloss (MA)
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Nikki Budzinski (IL)
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Adriano Espaillat (NY)
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Greg Landsman (OH)
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Susie Lee (NV)
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Mike Levin (CA)
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Laura Gillen (NY)
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Hillary Scholten (MI)
If passed, the Dignity Act could allow millions of undocumented immigrants to regularize their status and eventually obtain U.S. citizenship.
Notably, most of the Republican co-sponsors represent districts won by the Democratic presidential candidate in 2024—districts with high immigrant populations who could prove decisive in the upcoming November 2026 midterm elections.
