The Dignity Act and the Dream and Promise Act are back in the debate in the U.S. Congress. At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. Before any details, the most important point: these are bills, not laws, and they offer no benefit today.
Here is what we know, what we do not know yet, and what you can do.
What Is Happening in Congress?
According to a November 11, 2026, analysis by The Guardian, Democratic lawmakers are discussing proposals such as the Dream and Promise Act and the Dignity Act, along with budget controls on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On the other side, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin posted that “Deportations will continue,” according to WUNC.
On ICE oversight, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson has proposed legally requiring body cameras for federal immigration agents and banning them from covering their faces, according to WUNC. These are positions of individual lawmakers; they are not rules in effect.
What Would the Dream and Promise Act Do?
The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 is H.R. 1589, introduced on February 26, 2025, by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), with Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar (Florida) as co-lead. In general terms, it would let certain Dreamers obtain conditional permanent residence for up to 10 years if they arrived at age 18 or younger, have lived here continuously since January 1, 2021, and meet education and background requirements.
That conditional residence could become permanent through education, military service, or work, and people could later apply for citizenship through the regular process. According to a summary by the Presidents’ Alliance, the version supporters want brought to a vote would also open residence to people who had or were eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on July 1, 2024, and to DED recipients.
What Would the Dignity Act Do?
The Dignity Act of 2025 is H.R. 4393, introduced on July 15, 2025, by Salazar together with Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar (Texas). According to Salazar’s office, it had 35 cosponsors from both parties as of January 2026.
According to a National Immigration Forum summary, it would create a seven-year program for people continuously present since December 31, 2020, with a $7,000 restitution payment, background checks, tax payments, and no access to certain federal benefits. That status would not, on its own, provide a path to citizenship. The bill also includes provisions for Dreamers, border security, asylum changes, and mandatory E-Verify.
What Would It Take for These Bills to Become Law?
A bill must pass the House and the Senate in identical form and then be signed by the president; if vetoed, Congress would need two-thirds of both chambers to override. In the Senate, most bills in practice need 60 votes to move forward.
For the Dream and Promise Act, Garcia filed a discharge petition on July 20, 2026, to force a House vote. According to the official House Clerk record, it has 217 of the 218 signatures needed: 214 Democrats and 3 Republicans. Even at 218, the process takes additional legislative days, and a vote does not guarantee passage.
Bills not passed before the 119th Congress ends in early January 2027 expire and would have to be reintroduced. We have already explained that President Trump ruled out an amnesty, a position that also weighs on this process.
What Can You Do Today?
- There is no sign-up: no one can “enroll” you in the Dignity Act or the Dream and Promise Act, because neither exists as law.
- Beware of “notarios”: in the United States, a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot give immigration advice. If someone charges you to “save your spot,” it is fraud.
- Get authorized help: only a licensed attorney or a Justice Department accredited representative can advise you.
- Protect what you already have: if you have DACA or TPS, renew on time; follow updates on Venezuelan TPS if it applies to you.
- Gather proof of presence: receipts, leases, school records, and tax returns will help under any future law.
Protect Your Immigration Status with Campos Law Firm
Proposals in Congress create hope, but also confusion and opportunities for scammers. We do not make unrealistic promises: we provide serious legal representation backed by preparation and integrity. Our team of immigration attorneys can review the options you have today, under current law.
Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.
With information from The Guardian, the Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House, the Presidents’ Alliance, the National Immigration Forum, the office of Rep. Salazar and WUNC.
