Full breakdown available
This pages provides a high-level overview of this bill. For full list of provisions, line-item appropriations, and specific funding allocations, please view our detailed breakdown.
Summary
Creates new border security measures and provides paths to legal status for certain immigrants, including a 'Dignity Program' and a 'Dream Act'.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. immigration system faces challenges with border control and millions of people living without legal status. This bill strengthens border security with new technology and rules while creating new legal paths for immigrants to live and work in the country.
Who does this affect?
- Undocumented immigrants
- U.S. employers
- Border communities and law enforcement
What does this bill do?
Establishes the Dignity Program
Creates a 7-year program for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2021. Participants pay restitution, pass background checks, and work to receive legal status, protection from removal, and work authorization.
Creates the Dream Act
Provides a path to permanent legal status (a green card) for long-term residents who entered the United States as children, often called 'Dreamers'.
Requires all employers to use E-Verify
Phases in a requirement for all U.S. employers to use an electronic system to verify that their employees are legally allowed to work. This is intended to prevent the hiring of undocumented workers.
Reference
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Sec. 1111
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Strengthening the requirements for barriers along the southern border
Strengthens border security
Directs the Department of Homeland Security to use physical barriers, technology like drones and sensors, and more personnel to secure the U.S. southern border.
Reforms the asylum system
Creates new 'humanitarian campuses' at the border to process asylum claims within 60 days. It also sets up processing centers in other countries to screen people before they travel to the U.S.
Increases penalties for immigration crimes
Makes punishments more severe for crimes like illegally re-entering the country after being removed, human smuggling, and child sex trafficking.
Funds American worker training
Uses the restitution fees paid by participants in the Dignity Program to fund job training, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning programs for American workers.
Protects sensitive locations from enforcement
Generally prohibits immigration enforcement actions like arrests or searches at protected places, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, and courthouses.
Reduces legal immigration backlogs
Raises the per-country cap on employment-based green cards from 7% to 15% and allows some applicants who have waited over 10 years to pay a fee to get their visa without waiting longer.
Modernizes student visas
Changes the rules for student (F-1) visas to allow for 'dual intent,' meaning students can legally seek permanent residency while in the U.S. on their student visa without it being a problem.
What is the real world impact?
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Creates a comprehensive immigration system overhaul
Attempts to fix major parts of the immigration system at once by combining stricter border enforcement with new ways for people to gain legal status. This approach tries to find a middle ground that both political parties can agree on.
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Provides a legal workforce for the economy
Brings millions of undocumented workers into the formal economy through the Dignity Program and mandatory E-Verify for all employers. This could increase tax revenue and create a more stable workforce for businesses.
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Increases enforcement and penalties
Some may criticize the bill for increasing penalties for immigration violations and expanding surveillance through E-Verify. These measures could lead to more deportations, family separations, and potential discrimination against workers.
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Creates a long and difficult path to legal status
The 7-year Dignity Program requires large payments and strict rule-following. Critics might argue this creates a permanent group of residents who can work but have fewer rights, rather than offering a clear and fair path to citizenship.
When does this start?
Different parts of the bill would start at different times, ranging from immediately after it becomes law to several years later.
Mandatory E-Verify phase-in
The requirement for employers to use the E-Verify system begins 6 months after enactment for the largest companies and phases in over the next 18 months for smaller businesses. Agricultural employers have 30 months to comply.
Humanitarian campuses establishment
The Department of Homeland Security must establish at least three humanitarian campuses at the southern border within 12 months of the law taking effect.
Asylum screening timeline
Asylum seekers at humanitarian campuses must receive a full screening, including a credible fear interview, no later than 15 days after being processed.
Departure or program application deadline
Undocumented immigrants must either apply for the Dignity Program or leave the United States within 12 months of the bill becoming law.
Southern border threat analysis
The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a complete threat analysis of the southern border to Congress within 180 days of enactment.