By Fred Camillo
For decades, the American immigration debate has been trapped in a toxic binary: mass deportation on one extreme, and open borders or inaction on the other. This stalemate has left our southern border in chaos and millions of immigrants living in the shadows. But there is another way—one that balances the rule of law with our national values of human dignity and opportunity.
The Dignity Act of 2025 is a serious, bipartisan effort that offers a commonsense path forward. It’s been ignored in Washington for too long, not because it lacks merit, but because it doesn’t serve the political interests of those who thrive on division.
Make no mistake: no reasonable person condones entering this country illegally. There should be consequences. The Dignity Act would require undocumented immigrants who have committed no crimes and who are contributing members of society to pay a significant fine and begin the process of becoming legal citizens. That’s fair. It recognizes the importance of enforcing our laws, while also acknowledging that many of these individuals are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends—people living decent, productive lives.
Right now, many immigrants who have overstayed a visa or fallen out of status have no legal pathway forward unless they marry an American citizen. In what world is that a functioning immigration system? For some, that option isn’t available or appropriate, yet the alternative—self-deporting and starting over— would undo years of hard work, family stability, and community contribution.
This isn’t just inefficient— it’s inhumane. It’s also unAmerican.
We need real solutions that secure our borders and reflect the values we claim to hold dear. The Dignity Act is one such solution. It is the antidote to the increasingly toxic environment in this country where some ignore the chaos at the border, and others, in their efforts to “solve” it, ignore the people who’ve already put down roots, paid taxes, and contributed to our communities.
The effort to secure the border since 2024 has been a success, and for that, we all should be thankful. We also need to be grateful that criminals who entered the country illegally have been and are still being deported. With these situations now working, let us now focus on fixing the citizenship process so that productive and proud residents can achieve the goal of becoming an American citizen. That is what The Dignity Act promises to do.
Unfortunately, there are those in our own community who would rather use immigration as a political weapon—an emotional trigger to raise money or fire up a base. That is not leadership. That is pure manipulation. Shame on anyone who would exploit human lives to score points in an election year
Leadership means addressing tough issues with clarity, compassion, and resolve. It means listening to people, not yelling at them. It means protecting our border without vilifying immigrants.
It also means respecting the rule of law. I’ve seen too many incidents where the narrative takes precedence over the facts. I stand with most Americans who were rightfully disgusted by the senseless loss of life in Minneapolis. But let’s not forget: respecting law enforcement and our legal process is foundational to democracy. Protesting is a right; assaulting officers and blocking roadways is not. Some in the media and in elected office ignore that distinction.
Over my 11 years in the state legislature, I’ve learned that you don’t have to abandon your principles to work with people who see things differently. I’ve seen firsthand how progress is made—not by retreating to our corners, but by rolling up our sleeves and f inding middle ground.
That’s what this country needs right now: less political theater and more practical action. When we go to the polls this November, let’s remember who tried to build consensus and those who fueled outrage. Let’s reward those who sought solutions— and reject those who only sought the spotlight.
Our immigration system is broken. That’s not news. But fixing it requires honesty, leadership, and the courage to stand in the middle and take incoming from both sides. The Dignity Act won’t satisfy every partisan talking point. But it will move us forward.
