By John Klar

A bipartisan initiative dubbed “the Dignity Act” that would strengthen border protections while authorizing thousands of illegal immigrants to continue to reside and work in the US has attracted widespread attention. The novelty of the legislation lies in bipartisan support: Its creative provisions combine policy initiatives that reflect a genuine effort at immigration compromise, reminiscent of a time when Americans from both sides of the political aisle were capable of coming together to accomplish important things. The bill will likely not pass, but its initiative may seed future cross-party alliances.

The lead sponsors of the Dignity Act are an unlikely duo: Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida’s 27th District and Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of Texas’ 16th. The bill was initially introduced in 2023 but never got off the ground. The daring bipartisan duo has revised its provisions to gain more political traction.

The Dignity Act’s namesake appeals to a vision of illegal immigrants becoming legally dignified based on their work ethic and lack of criminal behavior. Foreigners in the country illegally since before 2021 could qualify under the new law to apply for a seven-year program in which they would work, pay........

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