The Essential Worker Immigration Coalition (EWIC) commends Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX) for their bipartisan leadership in reintroducing the Dignity Act of 2025. This critical legislation represents a much-needed step toward reforming and modernizing our nation’s immigration system in a way that supports both economic growth and national security.

The Dignity Act provides a pragmatic and humane framework that reflects the values and needs of our country. It would create a path to legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants, including Dreamers and certain other individuals, while bolstering border security and updating the legal immigration process.

At a time when labor shortages continue to challenge employers across essential sectors—hospitality, healthcare, construction, agriculture, and food processing—the Dignity Act offers real solutions to help stabilize the workforce, fill critical jobs, and sustain American businesses. Our coalition of national businesses and trade associations across industries has long advocated for legislative solutions that:

• Create a functional visa system responsive to workforce demands;
• Implement an efficient, fair, and low-cost employment verification system; and
• Provide certainty and stability for workers and employers alike.

Congress now has the opportunity—and responsibility—to act. We urge lawmakers in both parties to come together and enact meaningful, bipartisan immigration reform legislation this year. It is time to move forward on protecting essential members of our communities who contribute daily to the strength of the U.S. economy.

EWIC stands ready to work with the 119th Congress, the Administration, and all stakeholders to advance balanced reforms that recognize the dignity of workers and meet the evolving needs of America’s labor market. We thank Congresswomen Salazar and Escobar for their vision, leadership, and courage.