Published: July 21, 2025
Clearing Up Questions About the Dignity Act: Answers Direct from Congresswoman Salazar’s Office
Monday July 21, 2025
Americas Community Center is sharing this information for educational purposes only.
At Americas Community Center, we’re committed to keeping our community informed—especially when it comes to important legislation that could impact many immigrant families in our area. Over the past few weeks, we’ve received several questions from our community about the proposed Dignity Act, introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar.
(Read more about the Dignity Act Here and Here)
We reached out to her office with your questions—and we’re happy to share their responses below.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dignity Act
- Is this only for people that are undocumented?
Response: It applies to anyone that has been here since December 31, 2020. So if someone has another legal status, but wants to join the Dignity Program, they can.
- People that have TPS that are legal however process is being eliminated do they qualify?
Response: Yes – they qualify if they arrived before December 31, 2020. And anyone that has previously had TPS who joins the Dignity Program is exempt from the restitution fees ($1k per year)
- People that have a pending political asylum case on the way but not yet defined can they apply?
Response: Yes, if they were here before December 31, 2020. They can either choose to wait for their asylum case, or apply for the Dignity Program.
- People that have an investor visa in process and not authorized yet they do have a status, can they qualify and apply?
Response: I’m not sure – are these people inside the united states? Then yes. If they are outside the united States, then no.
But we are reducing the wait times for investor visas so people already waiting should be able to receive them faster.
- Children under 18 that have only been in school not worked do they qualify?
Response: Children are exempt from the work requirements in the Dignity Program, but if they turn 18 they have to start working.
- The children or so called DREAMERS ?
Response: Children that entered under 18 can either join the DREAM Act (path to citizenship) if they qualify. They had to have to have a high school degree, or be in enrolled in high school. Otherwise, they can join the Dignity Program. There are no educational requirements to join the Dignity Program.
- What happens if the undocumented person children have been attending school, do they qualify
Response: They could qualify for Dream Act or Dignity Program.
Want to Support the Dignity Act?
You can help this bill gain more support by contacting other members of Congress and asking them to sign on. Below is a list of current co-sponsors:
Republicans (11): Maria Salazar (FL-27), Mike Lawler (NY-17), David Valadao (CA-22), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Gabe Evans (CO-08), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Young Kim (CA-40), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25).
Democrats (11): Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Susie Lee (NV-03), Adam Gray (CA-13), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mike Levin (CA-49), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Jake Auchincloss (MA), Lori Trahan (MA).
Disclaimer: Americas Community Center is sharing this information for educational purposes only. We do not provide legal advice and encourage all individuals to consult an immigration attorney or accredited representative regarding their specific case. While this information was provided by the office of Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, it is subject to change as the legislative process moves forward.
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