The Dignity Act of 2023, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Maria Salazar and Veronica Escobar, address various immigration issues, including economic migrants, asylum seekers, minors, border security, and legal status for undocumented workers in the U.S. The Act features two sub-programs, the Dignity Program, and the Redemption Program, providing a pathway for undocumented individuals residing in the U.S. before the bill’s passage. Criteria, such as residency time and fees, apply.
Some highlights of the Act include:
Pathways to citizenship – Citizenship through military service, The Dream and Promise Act for “Dreamers,” The American Families United Act.
Legal Status for Undocumented Immigrants – Bringing approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. out of the shadows by granting them permanent, renewable status upon meeting specific criteria.
Certified Agricultural Worker reform – Introducing renewable status for long-term/repeat agricultural workers who meet defined requirements.
Asylum Reform – Establishing additional processing and screening centers in Latin American countries. Also, it allows for guest worker visas while pursuing alternative paths to citizenship.
Border Security Updates – Allowing budget increases for personnel, infrastructure, technology, and the modernization of Ports of Entry. Providing various support types for border communities handling the influx of immigrants, ensuring vital services can be sustained.
The Act also covers E-Verify, visa backlogs, work visa reforms, and guest visa reforms, each with specific criteria.
