Immigration Amnesty: Dignity Act and Waiting List
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Immigration “amnesty” is back in the headlines. On November 8, 2026, the President said in a television interview that his enforcement approach “might be too tough” and that a legal status deal for some long-term workers was “doable.” Within a day, he said publicly that there will be no amnesty, and the Homeland Security Secretary said he opposes any deal that includes amnesty. The signals are mixed, and nothing has changed in the law yet.
If you or someone you love could be affected, get on our Amnesty Waiting List so you are among the first we contact if a program is announced.
A brief history: the last true amnesty was in 1986
The Dignity Act is only a proposal. The last real, large-scale legalization program in the United States was the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), signed by President Ronald Reagan on November 6, 1986. It allowed roughly 2.7 million people who had lived in the U.S. continuously since before 1982, and certain agricultural workers, to apply for lawful status and later permanent residence. In exchange, the law created penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers and increased border enforcement.
Since 1986, Congress has passed only limited relief, such as Section 245(i) (1994, with later extensions) and NACARA (1997) for certain nationalities. Broader reform has failed again and again: the comprehensive reform bills of 2006 and 2007, the DREAM Act in 2010, and the 2013 bipartisan Senate bill, which passed the Senate 68 to 32 and never received a House vote. DACA (2012) was an executive program, not a law. For about 40 years, immigrants, employers and advocates have been waiting for Congress to act again.
Why some people believe the moment may be closer: in his 60 Minutes interview that aired November 8, 2026, President Trump said a large part of the country believes good people working in places like hotels, and in some cases paying taxes, should be allowed to stay. He said his approach “might be too tough” and called a deal with Democrats “actually doable.” Within a day he said publicly that there will be no amnesty. No one can predict what Congress will do, but the public conversation has changed.
What is the Dignity Act?
The Dignity Act (also called the DIGNIDAD Act, H.R. 4393) was introduced in the U.S. House by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), and has bipartisan cosponsors. As introduced and reported, it would:
The Dignity Status itself does not provide a direct path to citizenship.
Where it stands: it is a proposed bill. It has not been passed by the House or Senate, has not been signed, and its final terms could change substantially or it could never become law. Supporters say it is not amnesty because it requires payment and screening. Critics call it amnesty. Congress has not resolved that debate.
Who might be affected if a program is ever created?
Any future law would set its own rules. Based on current proposals, people who often ask us about this include:
- People who entered the U.S. without inspection and have lived here for many years.
- People who entered legally (with a visa or parole) and overstayed.
- DACA recipients and Dreamers.
- Spouses, parents and children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents in mixed-status families.
How you entered the U.S. (inspected and admitted, paroled, or without inspection), when you first arrived, and your full history often decide which options exist, today and under any future law. This is why records matter.
Do not wait: you may have options under current law
Some people already qualify for relief and do not know it. Depending on the facts, this can include family-based petitions, adjustment of status, VAWA self-petitions, U or T visas, cancellation of removal, humanitarian programs, or DACA-related options. These depend on details such as how you entered, family ties, and any prior immigration or criminal history. Please speak with a licensed attorney before you file anything with USCIS, because some filings can create enforcement risk. See our immigration services page.
5 Steps to Prepare for Amnesty
- Gather proof of continuous presence: leases, utility bills, pay stubs, tax returns, school and medical records, church or community letters, money transfer receipts.
- Keep your identity and family documents: passport, birth certificates, marriage and divorce records, children’s records.
- Collect any immigration papers: I-94 records, visas, notices, court papers, prior applications. Do not throw anything away.
- Pay your taxes: We recommend that you pay taxes during your overstay or unauthorized stay, and keep copies of your returns. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to file with an ITIN. Ask a qualified tax professional.
- Stay out of trouble: criminal history is the single biggest barrier in every proposal.
How we can help you legalize if an amnesty is announced
If Congress or the administration creates an amnesty or legalization program, we plan to offer our legal services to everyone on our Amnesty Waiting List who qualifies. Depending on the final rules, we can help you:
- Find out whether you qualify, based on your entry date, immigration history and family situation.
- Gather and organize your proof of presence, identity, work, taxes and family ties.
- Prepare and file your application accurately, and respond to any requests from the government.
- Explain risks, deadlines, fees and fines before you file, and represent you through the process.
That is why you should get on our Amnesty Waiting List now. Joining is free and takes about two minutes. When a program is announced, people on our list will hear from us first. Joining does not guarantee that a program will exist, that you will qualify, or that we will represent you, and it does not give you any priority with the government. Legal services are provided under a written engagement agreement, and fees apply once you choose to hire us.
Join our Amnesty Waiting List
Add your name today. If a law passes or an official program is announced, we will contact you quickly with accurate information. We will call only if you could potentially qualify for amnesty in the future. We never sell or share your information.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an immigration amnesty?
No. As of November 11, 2026, no amnesty or legalization program exists. Proposals such as the Dignity Act have not become law.
Can I apply for the Dignity Act now?
No. It is only a bill. There is no government application, no fee, and no government waiting list. Our Amnesty Waiting List is simply how we plan to reach people quickly if the law changes.
Does joining the list cost anything or guarantee anything?
It is free. It does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or any result. It only means you will be on our list to be contacted if the law changes and you could potentially qualify.
Will you represent me if an amnesty is announced?
If a program is created, we plan to offer our legal services to people on our waiting list who qualify. Representation is under a written engagement agreement, fees apply, and joining the list does not guarantee representation.
I overstayed my visa. Could I qualify for anything in the future?
Possibly, but it would depend on the final law and on your history. Some people who entered legally and overstayed already have options today, especially through close family. A consultation can help you understand your situation.
Why do you ask when I first entered the U.S.?
Proposals so far use cutoff dates, such as being present before the end of 2020. Knowing roughly when you arrived helps us tell whether you might be affected. Give your best estimate.
Is it safe to share my information on this page?
We ask only for basic contact information, your first entry date, and a short description, and we use them only to decide whether to contact you. Avoid sharing ID numbers or detailed case facts online. If you want to discuss your case, we will use a secure process.
How can your office help?
If Congress or the administration creates an amnesty or legalization program, the Law Office of Elena Vlady, PLLC will offer paid immigration legal services to eligible individuals who do not currently have valid immigration status, including people who entered without inspection and people who overstayed a visa. Our services would include an eligibility review, preparing and filing the application and supporting evidence, and representation throughout the process. No such program exists today, so we cannot accept or file anything under a future program now. Services would be provided under a written engagement agreement, and fees would apply. Join our Amnesty Waiting List now so we can contact you if you may qualify when a law is enacted. We are based in Austin and serve clients across Texas, including Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal advice, and reflects publicly reported developments as of the date above. Legislation changes quickly. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Reading this page or joining the list does not create an attorney-client relationship. Elena H. Vlady is licensed in Texas and practices U.S. immigration law, a federal practice area.