As of late July 25, 2025, the DIGNITY Act of 2025—“Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream”—stands as the most sweeping immigration reform proposal in recent history. This bipartisan bill outlines a new approach to fixing our broken system, combining strong border security with long-overdue relief for immigrants living in the shadows.
Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most if the Dignity Act becomes law—and how.
Long-Term Undocumented Immigrants
The cornerstone of the Dignity Act is the creation of a new legal status called “Dignity Status.” This program would offer protection to undocumented immigrants who have lived continuously in the U.S. since on or before December 31, 2020.
Program Benefits:
- Renewable legal status for seven years
- Work authorization and travel permission
- Protection from deportation
Requirements:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Pay a total of $5,000 to $6,000 in fees over seven years
- Fulfill tax obligations and stay in compliance with the law
Participants would not receive public benefits and would not qualify for permanent residency or citizenship through this program alone—but it provides safety, stability, and dignity for those who’ve built their lives here.
Dreamers (DACA Recipients)
The Dignity Act includes a direct pathway to permanent residency for Dreamers—those who arrived in the U.S. as children and meet education, employment, or military service requirements.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have entered the U.S. before age 18
- Have either a degree, military service, or four years of consistent work history
- Demonstrate English proficiency and pass a civics test
This would finally offer permanent protection to the hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who grew up American in every way but on paper.
Mixed-Status Families
For U.S. citizens with undocumented spouses or children, the bill provides life-changing relief. The Dignity Act allows immigration officials to waive certain legal bars and terminate deportation proceedings when separation from a family member would cause extreme hardship.
This provision would stop family separations and allow thousands of families to remain together in the U.S.
Asylum Seekers and Backlogged Applicants
Under the Dignity Act, asylum claims would be processed more quickly at newly created “humanitarian campuses” along the border. These centers would aim to adjudicate claims within 60 days, providing faster decisions for people seeking protection.
At the same time, stricter penalties for fraudulent claims and streamlined procedures would help reduce the current asylum backlog and restore integrity to the process.
Immigration Impact on U.S. Employers and the Economy
Employers who rely on immigrant labor in industries like agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and construction would benefit from having access to a legal and stable workforce. The Dignity Act would make it easier for them to hire authorized workers without the fear of audits or penalties.
Fees collected from the Dignity Program would also fund workforce development and job training programs for U.S. citizens, creating a win-win for the economy.
Border Security and Enforcement to Immigrants
Though not direct beneficiaries, taxpayers and communities near the border would see increased infrastructure, personnel, and technology to enforce immigration laws effectively. The Dignity Act calls for mandatory nationwide E-Verify to prevent unauthorized hiring and strengthen employer accountability.
Summary: Who Benefits from the Dignity Act
| Group | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Undocumented immigrants (pre-2021) | Legal status, work/travel authorization, protection from deportation |
| Dreamers | Path to green card and permanent residency |
| Mixed-status families | Waivers and protection from separation |
| Asylum seekers | Faster processing and improved protections |
| Employers | Legal workforce and fewer compliance risks |
| U.S. workers | Funded training programs and job development |
| Taxpayers | Safer, more efficient immigration and border systems |
Current Status of the Dignity Act in Congress
As of late July 2025, the Dignity Act of 2025 was formally reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The bill has been referred to several House committees—Judiciary, Homeland Security, Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce—for further review and hearings before it can advance to a full vote. While the bill has gained attention for its bipartisan framing, the path forward remains uncertain.
In the Senate, passage will be significantly more difficult. The Senate majority is supportive of current draconian measures that Trump is taking against immigrants and it is not clear that they can rally behind a sweeping amnesty. With a narrow Republican majority and strong Democratic opposition, advancing the bill would likely require the reconciliation process or extensive compromise. Several moderate and swing-vote senators have expressed skepticism about elements of the bill, especially those related to legalization and long-term status. Even with political momentum, the bill faces an uphill battle and will need strong public and political support to survive in its current form.
Get Ready Now
At Shepelsky Law Group, we are helping immigrants prepare for the potential benefits of this legislation. Whether you’re undocumented, a Dreamer, a spouse in a mixed-status marriage, or someone waiting in legal limbo, now is the time to review your options.
We can help you gather the right documents, assess your eligibility, and build a strong case—so you’ll be ready when the time comes.
About Marina Shepelsky and Shepelsky Law Group
As a U.S. immigration attorney with over 22 years of experience, I’ve helped thousands of immigrants gain legal status and build better lives. Our law firm is a group of highly experienced lawyers who are here to help immigrants legalize in America. Our mission is simple: bring clarity, compassion, and results to your U.S. immigration journey.
Call our office today and let’s prepare your future—with dignity.
Legal Disclaimer
This blog post is provided by a New York attorney for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the author. If you need legal assistance, please consult a licensed immigration attorney regarding your specific situation. We are Shepelsky Law Group. Our website is: www.ShepelskyLaw.com and our telephone number is: 718-769-6352.