Nearly a Dozen Republicans Join Immigration Reform Bill

President Donald Trump addresses a crowd

Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) have proposed updates to the Dignity Act, focusing on legal status, visa reform, and border security. Debate intensified surrounding U.S. immigration policy after the revised Dignity Act was introduced. The proposal aims to address longstanding issues in the immigration system through bipartisan reform. It has not progressed to a House vote, facing resistance from both conservative and progressive factions. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar speaking at a hearing

Introduced in July, the bill offers a seven-year legal status program for undocumented immigrants present since 2020. It reportedly requires strict criteria like restitution and background checks. Conservatives have labeled it “amnesty,” with some targeting Salazar for her outreach efforts. The bill’s border security measures, including mandatory E-Verify and asylum processing reforms, aim to balance enforcement with humanitarian protections.

Haitian refugee meets with attorney after release

Salazar stated, “They did break the law. They are illegals or undocumented. But they have been here for more than five years, contributing to the economy. Those people, someone gave them a job, and they are needed because we need hands in order to continue being the number one economy in the world.”

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar at VA Health Care Center

Escobar said, “I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system.”

Attorney Robin Nice outside Lowell Immigration Court

Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA) said, “The Central Valley cannot function without our immigrant community. For generations, people from all over the world have come to the Valley to work hard, pay taxes, and provide for their families. Without them, our economy would crumble. The bipartisan Dignity Act reflects this reality and addresses our broken immigration system, strengthens our southern border, fixes our visa backlog, and grants legal status to hardworking, law-abiding immigrants already living in the United States.”

Rep. Veronica Escobar at El Paso Women

The Dignity Act creates a path to citizenship for Dreamers while boosting border security. Backed by 10 Republicans and a dozen Democrats, supporters claimed it offers legal clarity for immigrant workers.

Farhad Sethna discussing immigrants and ICE

Immigration attorney Rosanna Berardi acknowledged that the Dignity Act offers a legal path for undocumented immigrants but stressed that broader enforcement reforms are needed for lasting impact. She stated, “Without congressional action to roll back many of the core immigration elements of H.R. 1—especially the funding and restrictions around detention, deportations, and parole—there's really no practical space for the Dignity Act's approach.”

Immigration attorney Marc Christopher addressing reporters

Berardi added, “However, I do think this framework could help create bipartisan conversations focused on creating easier work-visa access and temporary status for migrant workers in industries like agriculture, hospitality, health care and manufacturing.”

Rep. Veronica Escobar speaking at protest honoring unity

Berardi concluded, “I want to believe Congress can find a middle ground on immigration that our economy urgently needs to stabilize the labor supply and provide accountability and legal clarity for the people doing work no one else will.”

Immigration attorneys speaking at press conference

Republican lawmakers who have supported the legislation include: Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. David Valadao (R-CA), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO), Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA).

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.