A new national survey released by American Families United highlights the impact of current U.S. immigration enforcement policies on American citizens married to non-citizens. The report, titled “Collateral Damage: How Immigration Policy Harms U.S. Citizens in Mixed-Status Marriages,” is based on data from the 2025 AFU National Survey of Mixed-Status Couples and claims to be the first comprehensive study of its kind.
The findings indicate that these enforcement policies are causing significant emotional, financial, medical, and spiritual difficulties for families with mixed immigration status. According to the study, most of these families have lived in the United States for more than ten years, and over half are raising three or more children who are U.S. citizens. Nearly 60% of non-citizen spouses serve as primary caregivers within their households.
Since January 2025, there has been a notable increase in mixed-status families considering leaving the country together rather than face separation due to enforcement actions; this figure rose from 45% to 81%. The report states that hardship is nearly universal among those surveyed: 97.5% reported emotional hardship, 78% reported financial hardship, and more than half reported either medical or spiritual hardship.
Rep. María Elvira Salazar commented on the findings: “This report exposes a system that is failing American citizens,” she said. “The Dignity Act puts American families first, restores order and common sense to immigration enforcement, and ensures U.S. citizens are no longer separated from their loved ones and treated as collateral damage.”
The report identifies the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393), which includes provisions from the American Families United Act, as a legislative solution to address these issues. If enacted, it would allow non-citizen spouses to regularize their status without risking prolonged family separation.
According to supporters, the Dignity Act aims to protect U.S. citizens by keeping families together while also promoting family unity and upholding legal standards. It excludes individuals with criminal records or who pose national security risks.
Currently, more than 2.6 million Americans live in mixed-status families nationwide.
The Dignity Act has received endorsements from dozens of Members of Congress and over fifty national organizations such as American Families United, IEEE-USA, FWD.us, National Retail Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, World Relief, and others.
For additional information about the legislation or to access resources including summaries and full bill text, readers can visit links provided by American Families United.