New Bill Proposes Ten-Year Pathway to Citizenship

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) have jointly introduced the Dignity Act, an immigration reform bill that offers undocumented immigrants a ten-year legal pathway to citizenship. The legislation requires recipients to pay $7,000 in restitution as part of the process. While supporters argued the bill provides a fair and humane solution, many conservatives have opposed it.

Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Salazar stated, "The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work."

Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Salazar added, "No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future."

Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Critics have largely viewed the bill as a form of amnesty which would conflict with Trump-era immigration policies. They believe the legislation risks deepening divisions within the GOP.

Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Salazar said, “I believe that after the border has been sealed…the moment now is to have that national conversation and determine who are we going to be targeting.” She added, “Now there is another mass of people—who most of them are Hispanics—who have been here for more than five years. They have been contributing to the economy, who do not have a criminal record… and for that reason, I’m introducing today… immigration reform.”

Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) said, "In conversations across NY-17, I’ve heard a lot of frustration, both from employers struggling to fill jobs and families looking to reunite with their loved ones."

Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Lawler added, "We must do this by fixing our broken legal immigration system, securing our borders, and creating a fair, earned process for those who are already here and contributing. The Dignity Act honors America’s legacy of being a nation of immigrants and that’s why I’m proud to support it."

Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

Rep. Escobar at peaceful protest for unity, Border Patrol Agent discusses migrant dangers, Migrants undergo security checks after border crossing, Rep. Escobar at Sun City Pride Parade, Immigration officer escorts migrants in El Paso, Mike Lawler at playground opening ceremony, Rep. Lawler speaks at town hall meeting, Rep. Lawler at press conference on TPS extension

The Act has faced backlash for resembling 1980s amnesty policies. Critics said it rewards illegal immigration and fails to align with the Trump administration’s efforts.

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.

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