The City of McFarland held its bimonthly City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, during which council members expressed their support for the Dignidad Act, H.R. 4393.
The Dignidad Act, H.R. 4393, otherwise known as the Dignity Act, is an immigration bill introduced by Congresswoman Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX) in 2025. The bill was introduced in an effort to amend outdated legislation involving undocumented immigrants, including undocumented farmworkers and other undocumented personnel working in various industries, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, and construction.
The process to obtain residency begins by applying for a Dignity Card in the United States. This card is valid for seven years and can be renewed after the seven-year term. The Dignity Card is not a pathway to citizenship but rather provides undocumented workers with a means of legal residency. Once the card is issued, recipients will be allowed to travel outside the United States and be protected from deportation efforts.
Although there is a restitution fee of $1,000 per year for seven years for undocumented individuals, Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, emphasized that they are working to lower the fee.
“That is the fee that they would pay. We are talking about the fee to see if we can bring it down some… We’re hoping to reduce that down to $500 or $600,” said Cunha.
In addition to the yearly payment of $1,000, a 1% levy would be placed on the applicant’s gross annual earnings.
“If you made $36,000 per year, you will pay $300. That would be your contribution into the treasury each year,” noted Cunha.
Another requirement in the bill mandates that all applicants obtain health care, which creates another financial obstacle. However, Cunha noted that they are working on a compromise.
“That part is a very expensive part, and we’re working through that discussion as well. But we believe we can work that out so that they would all have health care as families,” said Cunha.
The bill also benefits individuals who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
“Under the DACA program, recipients have to renew their work authorization every two years. Under the Dignity Act of 2025, Dreamers would have the opportunity to adjust their status to permanent residency, and it would be done through a streamlined process as long as they meet the requirements,” said Francisco Abendano, a volunteer working on the bill. “This could help hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients go from a temporary status that can be uncertain to permanent residency, enabling them to continue working and have protection from deportation as well… None of these individuals would be eligible for citizenship as it currently stands,” continued Abendano.
The City of McFarland agreed to adopt the resolution. By doing so, the City Council simply stated its support for the bill. The resolution does not change or amend existing local laws or policies.
“The reason it was important to bring this to our community is that McFarland is an agricultural community made up largely of immigrants whose families contribute every day to our local economy. Many of these residents have lived and worked here for years and have participated fully in civic life,” said Saul Ayon, Mayor of McFarland. “This is not about opposing the government or making political statements. It’s about ensuring practical solutions that work for communities like ours. That’s why I strongly support H.R. 4393, the Dignity Act, which provides a balanced approach to strengthening our border, creating lawful workforce opportunities, and protecting our families,” continued Ayon.
