Bipartisan Push for Immigration Reform: The Dignity Act
A bipartisan coalition of federal lawmakers is advocating for significant immigration reform through the newly introduced "Dignity Act," which aims to create a pathway to temporary residency for many undocumented immigrants. This push comes amid rising deportations and arrests, particularly after recent congressional decisions to increase funding for immigration enforcement.
Sponsored by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Florida, and backed by 21 co-sponsors, including Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans, the bill proposes expedited processing for asylum claims and allows undocumented immigrants who arrived before January 1, 2021, to apply for seven-year temporary residency. Applicants must fulfill several requirements including a total restitution payment of $7,000, registration with federal authorities, and regular background checks.
Evans emphasized the act’s focus on accountability and legal pathways, especially for immigrant populations in his district, which spans northern Denver suburbs. The legislation also permits "Dreamers," beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, to remain in the U.S. for an additional decade, with an option for permanent residency under specific conditions.
Despite a history of stalled immigration reform efforts, Evans believes current circumstances may favor negotiations due to recent decreases in illegal border crossings and heightened arrests of serious offenders. His assertions come in contrast to a White House statement indicating that President Trump opposes any form of amnesty.
Advocacy groups express cautious support, recognizing the Dignity Act as a potential means to shield many from escalating enforcement actions. While acknowledging the bill’s limitations, organizations like the American Immigration Council and FWD.us see it as a crucial step towards broader reform and a necessary dialogue on the future of immigration policy in the U.S.
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