The House Problem Solvers Caucus is endorsing a pathway to legal status for millions of illegal immigrants, despite fierce backlash toward the idea in recent months from the MAGA movement.
The caucus, made up of nearly 50 lawmakers from both parties, threw its weight behind the DIGNIDAD Act on Monday. Introduced last July, the bill creates a path for legal status for illegal immigrants who have lived in the United States for more than five years and can pass a criminal background check.
Recommended Stories
“America is a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants—not one or the other, but both,” Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) said in the statement.
“That principle has guided our work on immigration reform, and it is the standard any serious solution must meet. For too long, Washington has turned a broken system into a political weapon,” Fitzpatrick continued. “The Dignity Act offers a responsible bipartisan path forward: securing the border, restoring order, protecting American workers, and ensuring legal status is earned through accountability and respect for the law. This is not amnesty; it is common sense, compassion, and the rule of law working together.”
Proponents say the legislation will bring millions of illegal immigrants “out of the shadows,” while requiring them to pay restitution. They also note the bill prohibits illegal immigrants from becoming citizens or receiving welfare benefits, but allows them to stay in the U.S. permanently, provided they remain in good public standing.
“We can secure our border and treat people like human beings. We can deport violent criminals and give hard-working families a fair shot. We can enforce our laws and uphold core American values of freedom and opportunity,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chairman Tom Suozzi (D-NY). “The American people are tired of the excuses and political games. They want leaders to come together and finally get this done.”
Critics say the bill amounts to a mass amnesty for illegal immigrants. They note the legislation gives immigration officials wide discretion over the eligibility criteria for legalization.
Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has gone so far as to campaign against those who support the immigration bill.
HOUSE OVERSIGHT PREPARES FOR SLEW OF INTERVIEWS FOR EPSTEIN INVESTIGATION
“Young Kim cosponsored the DIGNIDAD Act, supporting mass amnesty for illegal aliens,” Gill wrote on X. “Ken Calvert is the architect of the House’s E-Verify proposal and bas been a leader on border security for years. If you’re tired of mass migration ripping our communities apart, the choice is obvious. Vote Ken Calvert!”
DIGNIDAD is an acronym for the Dignity for Immigrants while Guarding our Nation to Ignite and Deliver the American Dream Act.
