$20,000 Fast Lane to Green Cards? New US Bill Proposes Premium Route for Decade-Long Waiters
The Dignity Act of 2025 is creating headlines as a bipartisan immigration reform bill that could transform the future of legal immigration in the United States. Introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), this proposed legislation aims to end the green card backlog, improve fairness, and modernize the U.S. immigration system by 2035.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Dignity Act of 2025 is a premium $20,000 payment option for green card applicants who have waited more than ten years. This “fast lane” allows individuals from employment- or family-based categories to skip the long lines and receive permanent residency sooner.
This bold step under the Dignity Act of 2025 directly addresses the frustrations of those stuck in immigration limbo for decades—especially applicants from high-demand countries like India and China.
Key Provisions of the Dignity Act of 2025
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| $20,000 Premium Processing | Green card applicants waiting over 10 years can pay $20,000 to expedite approval. |
| Green Card Cap Increase | Per-country limit raised from 7% to 15% for both family and employment categories. |
| Documented Dreamers | Children of visa holders eligible for green cards if they’ve lived in the U.S. for 10 years. |
| F-1 Visa Reform | Converts to dual-intent, allowing students to stay and apply for green cards after graduation. |
| OPT Taxation | Optional Practical Training participants will contribute to Social Security and Medicare. |
| Visa Cap Exclusion | Derivative family members not counted in annual visa caps, freeing up more slots. |
| O Visa Expansion | Automatically includes PhDs in STEM and medical fields as individuals of extraordinary ability. |
The Dignity Act of 2025 isn’t just about green cards—it also reflects a growing bipartisan consensus to fix America’s outdated immigration laws. It provides a balanced solution, offering both humanitarian protections and pro-growth immigration reforms.
For thousands of immigrant families, especially those who have contributed to the U.S. economy for decades, the Dignity Act of 2025 could finally provide a path forward. Its emphasis on fairness, efficiency, and economic integration sets a new standard for U.S. immigration policy.
In conclusion, the Dignity Act of 2025 is more than a bill—it’s a long-overdue promise of dignity, fairness, and hope for those stuck in immigration backlogs. If passed, it could reshape the future of legal immigration in the U.S. for generations to come.