At least 10 Republican members of Congress have thrown their support behind a new immigration proposal, the Dignity Act, which offers pathways to legal status for undocumented migrants — a move stirring sharp debate within the GOP.
The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-FL), aims to reform the U.S. immigration system by offering “dignity” to certain illegal immigrants, expanding legal immigration opportunities, and modernizing border control efforts. Despite Salazar’s claim that the bill is not an amnesty plan, the legislation includes multiple provisions that critics argue amount to exactly that.
Among its key features:
- Creation of immigration processing centers in Latin America, to deter migrant caravans and allow asylum seekers to begin their applications before reaching the U.S. border.
- Legal status pathways for certain long-term undocumented immigrants, including those who have lived in the country for years without a criminal record.
- Expanded work visa opportunities for STEM PhD graduates from U.S. institutions and other highly skilled workers via the O visa program.
- Provisions allowing migrants who may have voted illegally in federal elections to qualify for legal status, raising further controversy.
The bill also resurrects elements of past proposals — such as President George W. Bush’s 2001 “Any Willing Worker” initiative and President Biden’s “Labor Neighbors” pilot — both designed to increase the inflow of foreign workers.
Critics argue that this influx of labor would depress wages, exacerbate housing shortages, and hurt American workers, especially in blue-collar industries. Opponents also warn the bill could fracture the Republican coalition and undermine the party’s momentum heading into the 2026 midterms.
Supporters of the bill include:
- Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)
- Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)
- Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL)
- Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)
- Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO)
- Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN)
- Rep. Young Kim (R-CA)
- Rep. David Valadao (R-CA)
Valadao defended the bill by noting that many migrants in his district “have lived and worked peacefully for years” and deserve a legal path forward.
Several Democrats, including Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA), have also signed on, along with centrists like Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), suggesting the bill could attract bipartisan support — if GOP leadership embraces it.
Salazar’s strategy appears to be focused on winning over former President Donald Trump, whose 2024 campaign emphasized strict border enforcement. In recent interviews, Salazar praised Trump’s business background and suggested the Dignity Act aligns with the labor demands of key industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
Some voices in the conservative media and grassroots movements have condemned the bill as a betrayal of GOP voters. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) stated bluntly: “We need deportations, not amnesty.” Advocacy groups like the Project for Immigration Reform have accused Salazar of prioritizing demographic shifts for personal or political gain.
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal and NBC News have framed Salazar’s initiative as a pragmatic step forward, with NBC’s Gabe Gutierrez calling her “a moderate.”
Still, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. If pushed by GOP leadership, it could reshape the party’s immigration stance — or risk alienating its base.
Critics like consultant Ryan Girdusky remain adamant: “Maria Salazar will plot a way to sell this country out every chance she can until she’s defeated in a primary.”
