A new bipartisan immigration bill, the Dignity Act of 2025, has been introduced in the US House of Representatives.
The bill aims to reform parts of the immigration system, provide a legal pathway for certain undocumented immigrants, and strengthen border security.
One key proposal allows Green Card applicants who have been waiting for over 10 years to fast-track their applications by paying a $50,000 premium fee.
The money would go into a special fund to reduce backlogs and improve the immigration system.
The bill also increases the per-country cap for Green Cards from 7% to 15% to help reduce long wait times for applicants from high-demand countries.
For undocumented immigrants who entered the US before 2021, the Act offers up to seven years of legal status with work authorisation.
They must pay restitution, regularly check in with the Department of Homeland Security, and maintain good conduct to renew their status. However, they will not get federal benefits or US citizenship.
The legislation includes strict border security measures such as barriers, drones, radar, and nationwide E-Verify for employers. It also calls for DNA testing to confirm family relationships at the border.
Republican Rep. Maria Salazar from Florida and Democrat Rep. Veronica Escobar from Texas are leading the bill, which they say will be fully funded through immigrant payments, not taxpayer money.
Salazar called it “a solution to secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide a fair path to stability - without amnesty or handouts.”
