You’re thinking about U.S. citizenship. You hear people mention the “American Citizenship Act.” You wonder what it means for you.
The American Citizenship Act is a proposed piece of legislation that could significantly reshape the process of becoming a citizen for immigrants. Different versions exist with competing visions. While some expand pathways, others restrict them.
The term “American Citizenship Act” refers to several proposed U.S. immigration bills over the years, rather than a single current comprehensive law. These proposed bills have included different provisions and have faced varying levels of support and status in Congress.
This guide explains what the Act proposes, who it covers, how you’d apply if it passes, and what to watch for in 2025.
What Is the American Citizenship Act?
The American Citizenship Act isn’t a single bill. Multiple versions exist in Congress with the same or similar names.
The U.S. Citizenship Act, introduced in 2023 by Rep. Linda Sánchez, aims to create citizenship pathways for millions. It establishes “Lawful Prospective Immigrant” status for undocumented people who have lived in the U.S. continuously since January 1, 2023. After five years of this status, they can apply for a green card.
Dreamers, TPS holders, and agricultural workers get immediate green card eligibility under this version. The bill replaces “alien” with “noncitizen” throughout immigration law. It reforms family-based immigration by clearing visa backlogs dating back to 1992.
The DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act, reintroduced July 2025, takes a different approach. It creates a “Dignity Program” for undocumented immigrants present since December 31, 2020. But it only offers permanent legal status, not citizenship. Participants can renew their status every seven years indefinitely, but they can never become naturalized.
Who Qualifies Under the American Citizenship Act?
Eligibility for the American Citizenship Act varies depending on which version you’re considering.
Under the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023, you qualify if you have been continuously present in the U.S. since January 1, 2023. You must pass criminal and national security background checks, have paid any taxes owed, and have no serious criminal history.
Dreamers qualify for a green card if they enter the United States as minors. TPS recipients who held status on January 1, 2017, are immediately eligible. Agricultural workers who performed specific amounts of farm labor in the five years before applying qualify too.
The DIGNIDAD Act establishes specific requirements. You must have lived in the U.S. since December 31, 2020, and enroll in a seven-year Dignity Program. During that period, you’re required to work or attend school for at least four years.
You would pay fines that go into an “American Worker Fund,” pass criminal background checks, and enroll in health coverage, though you wouldn’t be eligible for federal means-tested benefits.
After completing the Dignity Program, you could apply for “Dignity Status,” a renewable status that lasts seven years. It can be renewed indefinitely but does not lead to citizenship.
People with serious criminal convictions don’t qualify under either version. Those who entered after the cutoff dates can’t participate. People in removal proceedings face additional barriers.
How the Process Works Under the American Citizenship Act
Here’s the process for the American Citizenship Act if a version becomes law:
Step 1: File Initial Application
Under the U.S. Citizenship Act, you would file for Lawful Prospective Immigrant status. The exact form doesn’t exist yet. It would likely resemble Form I-485 but with new requirements.
You would need proof of continuous presence, background documents, tax records, and identity documents.
Under the DIGNIDAD Act, you’ll apply for the Dignity Program. Applications would go to the DHS. You would submit the same documents, along with proof of employment or enrollment in school.
Step 2: Background Checks
Both versions require extensive background checks, FBI fingerprint checks, national security database reviews, and verification of criminal history. USCIS will schedule interviews to verify information and assess eligibility.
Step 3: Approval and Status Grant
If approved under the U.S. Citizenship Act, you will receive temporary status for five years. Then you could apply for the American Citizenship Act green card stage. After three more years, you will qualify for naturalization through Form N-400.
Under the DIGNIDAD Act, you will enter a seven-year Dignity Program. After meeting all requirements, you could apply for a renewable Dignity Status, which does not lead to citizenship.
Step 4: Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship Act Only)
Only the U.S. Citizenship Act leads to citizenship. After holding your green card for three years, you will file Form N-400. You will take the civics test, attend an interview, and take the Oath of Allegiance if approved.
The DIGNIDAD Act explicitly excludes naturalization. Your status remains permanent non-immigrant indefinitely.
Renewal, Rights & Impact After Grant
The concept of renewal for the American Citizenship Act differs between versions.
Under the U.S. Citizenship Act, once you naturalize, you’re a citizen. Citizenship doesn’t expire. No renewal exists. You will only need to renew your passport or obtain a replacement citizenship certificate if it is lost or misplaced.
Under DIGNIDAD, renewal is mandatory. Every seven years, you reapply for Dignity Status. You prove you remained in good standing, paid taxes, stayed employed or in school, avoided crimes, and renewed health coverage. This will continue forever.
Rights depend on which status you hold. Citizens vote. They hold U.S. passports. They sponsor more family categories. They can’t be deported except through rare denaturalization.
Dignity Status holders can’t vote. They can work legally and travel with restrictions. They can’t access some federal benefits, and face deportation if they violate the terms.
Get Ready for the American Citizenship Act
The American Citizenship Act could transform citizenship pathways, but it’s not law yet. Multiple versions exist with different approaches.
Prepare early, even while bills remain pending. Check which version would help you most. Gather supporting documents. Fix any issues in your immigration history.
Talk to an immigration attorney about your specific situation. They’ll tell you whether filing under current law makes more sense than waiting for reform that may never come.
If you need personalized help or have further questions, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com. You can ask your questions for free and have experienced immigration attorneys answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes would the American Citizenship Act bring to the current citizenship process?
It depends on the version. The U.S. Citizenship Act provides a pathway from undocumented status to temporary legal status, then a green card, and ultimately citizenship. In contrast, the DIGNIDAD Act grants permanent legal status that can be renewed indefinitely but does not lead to citizenship.
Who would benefit most under the eligibility for the American Citizenship Act?
Long-term undocumented residents with clean records benefit most. Dreamers, TPS holders, and agricultural workers gain immediate green card eligibility under the U.S. Citizenship Act. People present from 2020 gain renewable status under DIGNIDAD.
How do I apply under the American Citizenship Act if it becomes law?
New forms and procedures would be established. You would submit applications to DHS or USCIS, depending on the final rules, and provide proof of presence, background checks, tax compliance, and documentation of continuous residence.
Would the renewal for the American Citizenship Act requirement affect current citizens?
No. Current citizens retain their citizenship. The renewal rules apply only to individuals obtaining status through new programs like Dignity Status. Citizens do not lose their citizenship and only need to renew documents such as passports or certificates if they are lost or expired.
