The White House did not directly address the Dignity Act on Thursday, but reiterated that President Donald Trump “will not support amnesty.”
The bill, which has some Republican support, would grant legal status to some illegal immigrants and has attracted criticism on the Right.
On Tuesday, Reps. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) and Maria Salazar (R-FL) dropped the Dignity Act of 2025, a reworked version of an earlier bill, asking for support from Republican House members.
However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was noncommittal when asked if Trump would veto it.
“From my understanding, the White House nor the president has actually read through this legislation,” Leavitt said, adding that Trump was busy with other bills such as the GENIUS Act and the rescissions legislation. “But the president has made it very clear he will not support amnesty for illegal aliens in any way.”
She reiterated the point when asked about the bill a second time, a few minutes later.
The bill would increase border security funding and prevent businesses from hiring illegal workers, but would also open up a path to lawful permanent status for those who have been in the country for longer than seven years.
Ten Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors, which could be enough for the Dignity Act to pass the House if all Democrats support it.
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“The Dignity Act offers a commonsense solution: certain undocumented immigrants can earn legal status, not citizenship, by working, paying taxes, and contributing to our country,” Salazar said in a release. “No handouts. No shortcuts. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.”
Trump has seemingly opened the door for exceptions to his immigration crackdown, notably saying the agriculture, hospitality, and restaurant sectors are dependent on workers without legal status. However, he’s been far from consistent on that stance, and members of his administration have pledged to boost deportations in the meantime.
