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DIGNITY ACT
SALAZAR AND ESCOBAR INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN DIGNITY ACT,
May 23, 2023 Press Release

IMPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRANTS IN THE U.S.

 

INCLUDES THE ENTIRE DREAM ACT

  • 1.9 million Dreamers including 600,000 DACA recipients eligible for legal status and pathway to citizenship.

  • “Conditional permanent resident” status valid for up to 10 years that would protect Dreamers from deportation, allow them to work legally in the U.S., and permit them to travel outside the country.

  • Can become lawful permanent resident (LPR) if achieve one of the following:

    • Obtain a college or graduate degree;

    • Serve at least three years in the U.S. military; or,

    • Are employed and working for at least four years.

  • The bill would extend in-state tuition access in higher education to Dreamers and DACA-recipients.

 

 

AMERICAN PROMISE ACT

  • Adjusts TPS holders to Lawful Permanent Residents.

 

 

AMERICAN AGRICULTURE DOMINANCE ACT

  • Agricultural guest worker program.

 

 

LEGAL STATUS AND PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR ALL UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS:

 

Dignity Program:

 

  • 7-year deferred action program for undocumented residents who have been continuously in the U.S. for at least five years. Participants must pay up to $5,000 restitution which goes to the American Worker Fund. Participants are ineligible for federal benefits.

 

  • Receive temporary legal status, work authorization, travel authorization outside the U.S., and protection from removal proceedings.

 

  • Indefinitely renewable 5-year Dignity Status to maintain work authorization, legal status and travel authorization. Continue to be ineligible for federal benefits.

 

Redemption Program

 

  • 5-year program to convert to Lawful Permanent Resident status, upon completion of the 7-year Dignity Program. They can either pay additional contributions of $2,500 upon each check in with DHS, for a total of 2 payments ($5,000) over the duration of the 5-year period, or they can complete 200 hours of community service over the 5-year program, either through verified local community service providers or the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). They must also learn English and U.S. civics to complete the program.

  • Not available until certification that the border is secure.

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR ASYLUM-SEEKERS

 

HUMANITARIAN CAMPUSES in US at southern border – at least five.  

  • Freedom of movement, access to legal and medical, no family separation.

  • 60-day Asylum processing timeline, with some exceptions allowing longer period.

 

IN-COUNTRY PROCESSING CENTERS – at least five.

  • At least one in Mexico, Central America, South America, Caribbean.

  • Pre-screening for asylum eligibility.

  • Humanitarian visas may be granted for travel to U.S. for asylum processing, capped annually at same number as refugee ceiling (125,000 in FY 2023).

  • Child reunification program – children and young adults under 21 may be paroled into the U.S. to be reunited with parents in the U.S. that have legal status, and given dependent status.

  • Individuals can apply for guest worker visas (H2A and H2B) and assess eligibility for other legal pathways in the Employment of Family Based Categories. They would be provided assistance in filling out applications, and American companies with labor needs could advertise job postings at the processing centers.

 

UNITED STATES STRATEGY FOR ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMERICA

  • Requires the Secretary of State to implement a 4-year “United States Strategy for Engagement in Central America” to advance reforms and address the drivers of irregular migration to the United States.

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR BORDER SECURITY

 

  • Physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, technology, and personnel.

  • Authorizes at least $35 billion in funding for border security.

  • Mandates E-Verify

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