At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we closely monitor legislative developments that could impact the lives of immigrants across the United States. This week, a major proposal—the Dignity Act—has been reintroduced in Congress, and it's making headlines for good reason. Backed by a bipartisan coalition of 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, the new version of the Dignity Act is over 260 pages long and includes significant immigration provisions that could benefit Dreamers, undocumented immigrants, and families of U.S. citizens. While the bill includes tough enforcement measures, there are also some promising opportunities for relief.
Here are the key takeaways:
The Dream Act—Included and Expanded
The bill incorporates a new version of the Dream Act, providing a pathway to conditional permanent residency for individuals brought to the U.S. as children—also known as Dreamers—as well as current DACA recipients.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have entered the U.S. before age 18;
- Have been continuously present since January 1, 2021;
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or be enrolled in school;
- Pass a background check and meet other moral character standards.
Once granted conditional status, individuals could earn permanent residency and citizenship by:
- Completing a college or graduate degree,
- Serving at least three years in the military, or
- Working legally for at least four years.
This is one of the most positive provisions of the Dignity Act. While the bill avoids using the word “amnesty,” it does include a structured pathway to legalization for Dreamers—a long-overdue opportunity for this population.
The Dignity Program: Legal Status Without Green Cards
Another central feature of the bill is the creation of the Dignity Program—a seven-year program that offers temporary legal status but does not lead to a green card or citizenship.
Participants in the Dignity Program would receive:
- Protection from deportation,
- Authorization to work in the U.S.,
- Permission to travel internationally,
- The ability to renew this legal status every 7 years.
To qualify, individuals must:
- Have been continuously present in the U.S. since December 31, 2020,
- Pass a criminal background check,
- Submit biometric data and sign a sworn declaration of unlawful presence,
- Pay an initial fine of $1,000 and a total restitution of $7,000 over seven years,
- Check in with the Department of Homeland Security every two years,
- Purchase health insurance,
- Pay a 1% tax on adjusted gross income.
While this program does not provide a pathway to citizenship, it could offer critical protection and work authorization to many undocumented immigrants. Participants would need to maintain lawful conduct and fulfill program requirements to stay in good standing.
Support for Immigrant Families: The American Families United Act
One of the most promising sections of the Dignity Act is the inclusion of the American Families United Act, which aims to keep U.S. citizens and their undocumented spouses or children together. This provision would allow the Department of Homeland Security to:
- Grant discretionary waivers for certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability;
- Decline to initiate or reinstate removal proceedings;• Allow previously deported spouses or children of U.S. citizens to reapply for lawful admission.
This would be a major win for mixed-status families who are currently separated—or at risk of separation—due to outdated immigration laws.
Temporary Family Visitation Visas
The Dignity Act also proposes a 90-day Family Visitation Visa for foreign nationals with U.S. citizen or green card holder relatives. The U.S.-based sponsor would need to:
- Submit a declaration of support,
- Provide financial sponsorship,
- Ensure that the visitor has travel and health insurance.
This visa could help many families reunite temporarily for key life events like births, weddings, and funerals.
Tackling Visa Backlogs
The bill also addresses long-standing visa backlog issues:
- Individuals with approved immigrant petitions who have waited 10+ years could pay $50,000 for premium processing of their case.
- It raises the per-country cap on visas from 7% to 15%, reducing wait times for countries with high demand like India, Mexico, and the Philippines.
- It includes protections for children at risk of “aging out” of eligibility due to processing delays.
Boost for STEM and Healthcare Professionals
The bill also includes a provision for individuals with PhDs in STEM or medical fields making them eligible for O visas (reserved for those with extraordinary ability). This could fast-track legal options for highly skilled immigrants already contributing to critical industries.
What This Means for Immigrants
While this bill still needs to pass both the House and the Senate, and then be signed into law, the Dignity Act represents one of the most comprehensive bipartisan immigration proposals in years. It doesn’t solve everything—particularly since it withholds a pathway to citizenship for most undocumented individuals—but it does offer significant progress for:
- Dreamers,
- Mixed-status families,
- Workers stuck in backlogs,
- And others seeking lawful presence in the U.S.
At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we will continue to monitor this bill’s progress and keep our community informed. If you believe you may qualify for any of the proposed programs—or if you’re unsure how these updates may affect your case—contact our office to schedule a consultation. We’re here to fight for you and your American dream. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. — Se Habla Español. Serving immigrants and their families with honesty, compassion, and relentless advocacy.