The Episcopal Church

Members of Congress have a vital opportunity to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our nation: the urgent need for humane, functional immigration reform. The Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R.4393), introduced by Reps. Veronica Escobar and Maria Elvira Salazar, is a bipartisan bill that offers a long-overdue fix to our outdated immigration system. At a time of deep political division, the Dignity Act demonstrates that thoughtful compromise and meaningful progress are still possible.

Many of our current laws do not reflect the realities facing immigrant families and communities today. Millions of people who have lived and worked in the United States for years remain in legal limbo. Families risk separation, and businesses struggle with workforce shortages, while bureaucratic delays clog visa programs. Meanwhile, the debate over border security continues to dominate public conversation without providing real solutions. The Dignity Act responds to these problems with balanced, comprehensive reforms that aim to improve border management, protect vulnerable people, and create legal pathways for those contributing to our communities.

This legislation would create a process for undocumented individuals to earn legal status by meeting clear requirements and committing to civic responsibility. It includes strong and effective border measures that use modern tools and oversight to ensure safety while treating people with dignity. The bill modernizes our asylum process, reduces visa backlogs, and expands legal immigration options to reunite families and support economic needs. It also offers long-awaited protections for Dreamers—those brought to the U.S. as minors without a clear path to legal status.

For decades, The Episcopal Church has stood with immigrants and refugees, advocating for policy grounded in respect, fairness, and compassion. Our church teaches that every person is made in the image of God and that our nation is strengthened by the contributions of immigrants and refugees. Episcopal policy supports humane immigration laws, opposes policies that tear families apart, and calls for a just resolution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those with long ties to our communities.

Urge your representative to support and cosponsor H.R.4393, the Dignity Act of 2025. We must act now to ensure our immigration system reflects our nation’s highest values and protects vulnerable families and individuals.

Additional Resources

Partner Links:

Representatives Escobar, Salazar Reintroduce the Dignity Act | Congresswoman Veronica Escobar

National Immigration Forum: The Dignity Act of 2025: Bill Summary

American Immigration Lawyers Association: Policy Brief: The Dignity Act of 2025

Center for American Progress: Dignity Act

Visa Verge: What Is the Dignity Act 2025 and Its Impact on US Immigration?

Rice University Baker Institute: Social and Economic Effects of Expanded Deportation Measures

Episcopal Church Resolutions:

2015-D048 - Support Immigration Actions for Youth and Parents

1985 - D113- Request Congress to Reform Immigration Legislation

2018-D009 - Set Forth Christian Principles to Guide Responses to Human Migration