Opinion: It’s time to lead with strength and compassion on immigration

When it comes to immigration, I’m sick and tired of the same old partisan finger-pointing and failure to act. That’s why I’m encouraged that this past week, something different happened. I stood among a group of 20 House Members — 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans — to reintroduce the Dignity Act, a serious and bipartisan effort to finally help fix the system.

I’ve supported this bill in the past, but I’m more hopeful than ever that this version has a real shot at becoming law. It offers a path forward — one that combines smart border security with the American values of fairness, accountability and humanity.

The Dignity Act would create a responsible process for undocumented immigrants who’ve been living in the U.S. for at least five years to earn legal status. That process isn’t easy. It requires them to pay fines, pass rigorous background checks and meet clear conditions. At the same time, the bill includes major investments in border infrastructure and staffing, helps Dreamers and individuals with protected status, and tackles the years-long visa backlog that keeps families separated and businesses stuck.

This version of the bill improves on the one introduced last Congress. It reflects real feedback from both sides of the aisle. It adds stronger enforcement tools. It gives immigration officers more support and clarity. And it updates timelines and fine structures in a way that’s tough but fair. In short, it’s a better, more complete piece of legislation — one that addresses past concerns without compromising its core values.

But let’s be honest: this bill alone won’t fix everything. No single bill could. The Dignity Act is not a final answer to all our immigration challenges — but it’s a very good start, and a meaningful step forward after years of gridlock, dysfunction, and political theater. And in today’s Congress, a good start backed by bipartisan cooperation is no small thing.

What makes this moment different is not just the content of the bill, but the shift in public opinion that’s happening all around us.

Back in February, more Americans approved of President Trump’s immigration policies than disapproved. But by July, the numbers flipped. According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, 51% of Americans now say they disapprove of how Trump is handling immigration, while 41% approve. 

Americans are seeing the human toll of harsh policies. They’re watching neighbors ripped from their homes, workers deported despite no criminal records, and children caught in a system that’s lost its moral compass. And they’re saying: Enough is enough.

This shift in public opinion even includes some Republicans who believe in law and order but also compassion. Americans want security, yes — but not chaos. They want fairness, not fear.

What gives me hope is that people on both sides of the aisle are ready for a new conversation. We can have a secure border and still protect families. We can enforce our laws and still respect the dignity of every person who contributes to our communities.

I know this from personal experience. My mom’s parents came to the United States from Mexico when they were kids. They started a small business, raised four daughters, including my mom, and believed in the promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to get ahead. Their youngest grandson now serves in Congress. That’s the American dream. 

But that dream will fade if fear prevails over common sense, or political fights triumph instead of lasting solutions.

The Dignity Act is not a perfect bill. But it is a real, good-faith attempt to bring both sides together and move this country forward. It reflects what most Americans want: safety, accountability, and a legal system that actually works.

To Republicans who say they want secure borders — this bill delivers them. To Democrats who want to protect Dreamers and keep families together — it does that, too. To anyone tired of dysfunction, this is a new beginning.

This isn’t about left or right. It’s about leadership and doing the hard work of compromise. It means putting people over politics.

We can’t afford to waste another year. We can’t allow the American dream to become a political football. It’s time to act — with strength, with compassion, and with dignity. Let’s get it done.

Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, represents California’s 49th congressional district, which includes northwest San Diego County and southwest Orange County.