Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) reintroduced a scaled-down version of their bipartisan immigration reform bill from last Congress, the Dignity Act. The legislation intends to provide legal status for undocumented immigrants, a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers” brought illegally to the U.S. as children, relief for Americans with a spouse that is undocumented, and to reform the visa and asylum processes. The bill would give legal status, a work permit, and travel authorization to undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. prior to December 31, 2020, and who pass a criminal background check.
The effort was dropped last Congress ahead of the November elections as Republicans refused to discuss comprehensive efforts to remake the U.S. immigration system until the federal government regained control of the U.S.-Mexico border and as Democrats said the bill did not do enough to help immigrants. The latest version of the bill has 18 cosponsors.