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Bipartisan bill to provide legal status to certain migrants is not ‘amnesty’: Republican co-sponsor
NBC News· 2025-07-15 21:04
Immigration Reform Bill: The Dignity Act - A bipartisan bill, the Dignity Act, proposes legal status for undocumented immigrants in the US since before 2021, offering up to 7 years of legal status with work authorization, contingent on restitution and regular DHS check-ins [1] - The bill emphasizes border security enhancements and protections for Dreamers [1] - The bill does not include a pathway to citizenship or amnesty [2][4] Economic Impact - Undocumented immigrants are needed in the economy and should be allowed to work, pay taxes, and contribute [4][5][15] - The bill proposes a $7,000 payment over seven years plus 1% of income over seven years from immigrants, generating funds for the Treasury and retraining American workers [5][6] - Allowing undocumented immigrants to stay, pay taxes, buy homes, open bank accounts, and consume is essential for maintaining the US as the number one economy [15] Political Landscape - The bill's success depends on timing and potential support from the Trump administration, given Trump's business background and understanding of labor needs in construction, hospitality, and agriculture [3][6][7] - Key figures like Steven Miller may pose challenges due to their stance on mass deportations [8][11][17] - The bill has bipartisan support, with 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats initially backing it [13] - 78% of Americans, including nearly 60% of Republicans, favor a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the US illegally, though the bill does not currently offer this [22][23] Addressing Concerns - The bill aims to address the issue of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expirations, integrating TPS holders into the Dignity Act's framework [19] - The bill seeks to identify and integrate undocumented immigrants into society, ensuring they contribute to social security and are not subject to mass deportation [17] - The bill targets undocumented immigrants without criminal records who contribute to the economy, particularly in construction, hospitality, and agriculture [4][15][26]