The so-called DIGNITY Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393), introduced this week by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) with support from 10 other Republicans and one Democrat, promises to fix our “broken immigration system.”
Many conservatives say it looks more like a polished version of past amnesty schemes – with all the same old problems.
Nevada conservatives and border hawks across the country are sounding the alarm. From questionable gang loopholes to worries about weak enforcement, critics are saying the bill gives too much and asks too little.
I want to focus on one particularly brazen provision in Maria Salazar’s amnesty bill. She made a huge point of saying “gang members won’t be admissible!” And, indeed, there is a provision that says if you “voluntarily participated in offenses committed by a criminal street gang”… pic.twitter.com/koTYHXzbvn
— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) July 17, 2025
What’s in the Bill?
At first glance, the DIGNITY Act appears tough. It talks about stronger border security and stopping illegal immigration. Co-sponsor Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO), a former police officer and Army veteran, says securing the border is a top priority.
But the details are thin. The bill doesn’t spell out exactly what new tools or rules would be used to actually stop the flow of illegal crossings.
The heart of the bill is a new seven-year program for undocumented immigrants who’ve lived in the U.S. long-term. To qualify, they must:
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Pass a criminal background check
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Pay back taxes
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Pay a restitution fee (up to $1,140)
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Show continuous presence in the U.S.
Those accepted would receive work permits and legal status, but not citizenship. Supporters say it’s not “amnesty” because applicants must earn their way.
Rep. Salazar insists there are no “handouts” and the bill doesn’t offer a shortcut to citizenship.
But many conservatives aren’t buying it.
The Gang Loophole Problem
One of the biggest concerns? A section in the bill that deals with gang members.
The bill says gang members can’t qualify – but there’s a catch. According to legal analyst Will Chamberlain, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is barred from using state or federal gang databases to screen applicants.
In other words, unless someone has already been convicted of a crime, DHS can’t deny them based on suspected gang ties.
A Repeat of 1986?
Critics also point to the 1986 amnesty law signed by President Reagan. That plan promised to fix illegal immigration once and for all.
But instead of 500,000 gaining legal status, more than 8 million did thanks to chain migration and poor enforcement. Illegal immigration exploded afterward.
Conservatives fear the DIGNITY Act could lead to a repeat.
The Bottom Line
The DIGNITY Act is being sold as a smart, bipartisan fix, but many on the right are getting a sense of déjà vu.
From gang loopholes and toothless enforcement to the risk of another mass amnesty, conservatives see too many red flags.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
