'Dignity Act' seeks to overhaul immigration amid crisis: 'Revolutionary bill'

By Jon Brown, Christian Post Reporter Monday, May 11, 2026

1. Enhanced border security, better pay for Border Patrol

When she introduced the Dignity Act last year, Salazar described it as "a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work."

"No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future," she added.

After decades of porous borders have led to a surge of illegal crossings, smuggling and drug cartel activity, the aim of securing full control of the U.S. southern border includes streamlining the $46.5 billion already appropriated by Congress for enhanced physical barriers and tactical infrastructure to "achieve situational awareness and operational advantage of the border."

In addition to barrier levees, roads in high-trafficked areas and better lighting, advanced technology would include drones, sensors and surveillance towers. Approximately $2 billion per year would be authorized for port-of-entry improvements until 2030, and minimum pay for Border Patrol agents would be increased.