New US Immigration Bill Proposes $20K Fast-Track Green Cards: What You Need to Know

The Dignity Act of 2025 has the potential to transform US immigration. This proposed legislation introduces $20,000 premium green cards, increases country caps, and makes significant changes for students and workers.

The lengthy and complicated process of obtaining a US Green Card may soon change. US Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) have introduced the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393). This bipartisan effort aims to modernize an immigration system that many believe is overdue for reform.

The bill’s primary objective is to eliminate the legal immigration backlog by 2035. Let’s explore what this legislation entails and who it may benefit.

Green Cards for $20,000: Who Qualifies?

A key feature of the bill is a provision that allows individuals in the employment-based or family-based green card backlog to expedite their applications by paying $20,000. This option is available to those who have waited over a decade and maintained legal status, particularly applicants from high-demand countries like India and China.

This premium payment will not only speed up processing but also cap individual wait times, gradually helping to eliminate long-standing bottlenecks.

Major Relief for Indian and Chinese Applicants

The Dignity Act also proposes to increase the per-country cap on green cards from 7% to 15%. This change is crucial for nationals from countries with significant backlogs, especially India, where some applicants face wait times exceeding 20 years due to their country of origin.

Raising this cap can provide a fairer system for those who have been disproportionately affected by the current rules.

Documented Dreamers Get a Path to Stay

The bill addresses a long-overlooked group: documented dreamers. These are individuals who were brought to the US legally as children but age out of the system at 21. Under the Dignity Act, anyone who has lived in the US legally for 10 cumulative years can apply for lawful permanent residency, even if they have aged out. This provision could protect many young adults from falling into legal uncertainty.

Immigration Agencies Get a Boost Too

To support these changes, the bill allocates $3.6 billion for clearing backlogs and modernizing visa processing at various agencies, including the Department of State, Department of Labor, and USCIS. Additionally, it proposes creating a new Immigration Agency Coordinator role to enhance inter-agency coordination and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.

Is This the Breakthrough the System Needs?

This question remains open. Immigration reform has long been a contentious issue. The Dignity Act of 2025 is presented as a bipartisan, practical solution, described as “tough and fair” by Salazar.

However, the proposal is likely to spark debate. Critics may oppose the idea of allowing individuals to “pay their way” to the front of the line. Supporters will argue that it offers hope to those who have waited far too long.

Ultimately, if passed, this bill could significantly alter key aspects of the US immigration system and provide real opportunities for thousands currently facing uncertainty.

TL;DR: What’s New in the Dignity Act of 2025?

Final Thoughts

For anyone in the immigration backlog or planning a move to the US, this bill is significant. While it has not yet passed, it represents one of the most comprehensive and potentially influential immigration proposals in recent years. Keep an eye on this development as it unfolds.