(RNS) — We’re now over a year into the second Trump administration and in many ways, it has been one of the most eventful years in American political history. But there is a noticeable and important absence of real progress on one key issue: immigration. 

The United States has an immigration problem. Anyone, regardless of their political affiliations, will agree. Some say the current policies are too permissive, while others believe they aren’t fair or compassionate enough. Others maintain a position that our current policies are unclear at best and downright convoluted at worst. 

But we agree there is a problem. We’ve gone far too long without a viable solution that both respects the rule of law and honors what America has always been: a land where opportunity, belonging and a chance at the American dream are offered to those who respect this country and contribute to the common good. 

For the first time in decades, we have the opportunity to make real, tangible progress by implementing a purpose-built solution to bridge the current divide. The Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. María Elvira Salazar and Veronica Escobar, does just that. It brings an urgently needed solution to the chaotic and complex state of immigration. It respects and upholds the rule of law and provides a resolution for immigration ambiguity.

We support this act because it provides a solution for families already grounded here, living peaceably and not engaging in nefarious activities. It creates a legal solution for good, God-fearing, hard-working men and women who have been here 15, 20, 25 years — those whose children were raised here, who attend our churches and many who don’t even have parking tickets. This act is for men and women who are not living off government subsidies but have created a life here through dedicated hard work.

The Dignity Act would also be life-changing for the communities and families of hard-working immigrants who would qualify for a work permit. For example, one of the authors of this opinion, Massey Villarreal, was raised by a father who was a former undocumented immigrant from Mexico. He was able to get right with the law, work legally and raise U.S. citizens like Massey who are successful businessmen and God-fearing Americans. The Dignity Act would produce future CEOs and high-achieving contributors for our great country.

The question is, will we — the American people — stand in the way?

For far too long, progress has been sacrificed on the altar of political agendas. Legislation that genuinely promotes justice and human flourishing has been struck down because it did not toe any party line. On top of it all, our political discourse in both public and government life has become more divided and divisive than ever, complicating matters even further. 

On both sides of the aisle, there is a desire to vilify the other and retreat into the perceived safety of ideological sameness. Unfortunately, there is only danger there. This type of retreat has disastrous consequences, both for the American political system, as evidenced by the most recent government shutdown, and for the nearly 350 million people the government was built to serve. 

The beauty of democracy is that political issues can and should be contested, debated and even disagreed upon. However, there are times and places to set aside adjacent issues for the sake of the common and greater good. This is one such time. While there are far too many instances of political posturing standing in the way of progress since the founding of this nation, history is replete with examples of people from disparate viewpoints banding together to solve a problem far bigger than themselves. 

Such moments have led to some of the most profound acts of justice, courage and compassion that this world has ever seen. It was this spirit that sustained the Civil Rights Movement, made possible the triumph over evil in World War II and even led to the founding of this very country.

This spirit of unity and cooperation, more than anything else, is what characterizes all that America is and can be.

America needs a spirit that prompts us to act boldly in pursuit of justice and compassion. We need a spirit of respect that goes both ways. One that is committed to a solution that can finally put an end to a problem that has caused immense suffering to millions. 

Unity isn’t the absence of disagreement. In a fallen, sinful world, there will always be disagreement. Unity is a willingness to focus on the most pressing issues and — in good faith — band together to solve them. 

Immigration is the most pressing issue facing our nation, and the Dignity Act is the solution. It is up to us to do what is right, set aside our differences and work for the common good. 

(The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is the lead pastor of New Season Church in Sacramento, California, and president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. He has advised three U.S. presidents. Massey Villarreal is CEO and president of Precision Task Group Inc. and is a member of the American Business Immigration Coalition and Greater Houston Partnership. Both authors are co-chairmen of Comité de 100, a bipartisan coalition of Mexican American and Latino business leaders working to advance immigration solutions. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)