American Stability&Dignity Act

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “American Stability and Dignity Act.”

Section 2. Findings

Congress finds the following:

Millions of legal residents contribute to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the United States.

Many have lived in the U.S. for decades, raising families, working jobs, paying taxes, and strengthening their communities.

Despite their legal status, these individuals often remain in limbo—unable to access the full rights, responsibilities, and protections of citizenship.

It is in the national interest to offer a predictable and fair process to allow long-term legal residents to fully integrate as American citizens.

Military service and essential work, particularly in healthcare, represent extraordinary contributions that merit recognition in the naturalization process.

A secure and modernized border is essential to upholding the rule of law, protecting national security, and maintaining trust in the immigration system.

Section 3. Pathway to Citizenship for Long-Term Legal Residents

(a) Eligibility Criteria

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a streamlined naturalization process for legal permanent residents (LPRs) who meet any of the following criteria:

- Have maintained legal residency status in the United States for a continuous period of 7 years or more; or

- Have completed at least 4 years of active-duty service in the United States Armed Forces, and have been honorably discharged or are currently serving in good standing.

All applicants must:

- Have not been convicted of a felony or more than one misdemeanor offense involving moral turpitude;

- Demonstrate a history of tax compliance and good moral character;

- Pass an English language and civics examination, consistent with current naturalization requirements.

(b) Waivers and Exceptions

The Secretary may waive certain requirements on a case-by-case basis for:

- Individuals over the age of 65;

- Individuals with disabilities that prevent language acquisition;

- Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking;

- Individuals who have worked in essential sectors such as food production, food processing, or agricultural packaging for at least five years, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

Section 4. Expedited Processing for Essential Workers

Legal residents who have worked in healthcare or public health occupations in a federally designated rural area for a period of five years or more shall be eligible for expedited processing of their citizenship application under this Act.

The Secretary shall establish specific guidelines and application procedures for such expedited cases within 90 days of enactment.

Section 5. General Expedited Processing

All applicants under this Act shall receive a determination within 12 months of application submission.

Section 6. Protections During Application

While an individual’s application under this Act is pending:

- They shall be protected from deportation;

- They shall be eligible for work authorization;

- They shall have access to legal aid services supported by DOJ grant programs.

Section 7. Community Investment Incentive

Applicants who demonstrate significant community service, long-term employment in underserved areas, or public sector work may be eligible for fee waivers and priority processing.

Section 8. Border Security Modernization

(a) Funding Increase

An additional $3 billion shall be appropriated over five years to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including hiring, training, and retention of Border Patrol agents.

(b) Technological Modernization

The Department of Homeland Security shall allocate funds to upgrade surveillance, communication, and detection technologies at high-traffic border zones. These technologies may include:

- Smart sensors and unmanned aerial systems (drones),

- Tunnel detection and radar systems,

- Secure, interoperable data-sharing systems for law enforcement.

(c) Community Coordination & Oversight

Funding shall also support community oversight boards and de-escalation training to ensure transparency, human rights protections, and safe enforcement practices.

Section 9. Enforcement Standards and Transparency

(a) Uniform and Identification Requirements

All personnel engaged in immigration enforcement activities under the authority of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shall:

- Wear clearly marked and identifiable uniforms that include the name of the agency;

- Display an official agency badge and identification card upon initial contact with any individual during an enforcement action;

- Verbally identify themselves as federal officers and clearly state the nature of the enforcement action being conducted.

(b) Marked Vehicles Requirement

All vehicles used during enforcement operations must:

- Be clearly marked with the name and insignia of the operating federal agency;

- Display visible lights or decals that denote official government use.

(c) Face Covering Prohibition

ICE officers shall not wear face coverings, masks, or other garments that obscure their identity during enforcement activities.

Exceptions may be made only in the following cases:

- Court-approved undercover operations; or

- Documented tactical operations where officer safety is at significant risk and alternative protective measures are insufficient.

Any use of these exceptions must be documented and reported to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. The Department shall publish an annual public summary of such exceptions.

(d) Civil Protections

- Failure to comply with the requirements of this section shall render any resulting detainment or questioning inadmissible in immigration proceedings initiated under this Act, except in cases where exigent circumstances or public safety threats are independently documented.

- Individuals subject to noncompliant enforcement actions shall have access to civil recourse, including through the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

(e) Training and Oversight

- All ICE officers shall receive mandatory annual training on lawful conduct, de-escalation, and civil rights protections during enforcement activities.

- The Department of Homeland Security shall publish an annual report detailing instances of noncompliance and any disciplinary actions taken.

Section 10. Rulemaking and Implementation

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate rules to carry out the provisions of this Act within 180 days of enactment.

Section 11. Severability

If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid, the remainder shall not be affected.