Latest news with #MariaElviraSalazar
Newsweek
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Can a Lawmaker Be Fully MAGA and Still Push for Immigration Reform?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For decades, immigration has been among the thorniest issues in American legislative politics, often falling victim to gridlock and partisan fighting. But Representative Maria Elvira Salazar says the moment to fix the system has finally arrived — and she believes Republicans now have a historic opportunity to lead a new charge on bipartisan immigration reform that American voters have been demanding for decades. "The GOP has a historic opportunity to fix the immigration system after 40 years of it being broken," Salazar, a Cuban-American Republican from Florida, told Newsweek in an exclusive interview. The Dignity Act of 2025, which Salazar introduced alongside Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar, comes as Hispanic voters express growing frustration with the GOP and with President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement, fueled by anger over mass deportations and workplace raids. A CBS News/YouGov poll this month found Hispanic support for Trump had fallen from nearly 50 percent to about one-third, with 63 percent saying his immigration policies are "too tough" and 64 percent believing Hispanics are unfairly singled out in enforcement efforts. Against that backdrop, Salazar told Newsweek the bill offers a middle ground — aiming to replace fear in immigrant communities with stability while preserving Republicans' long-standing credibility on enforcement. "Since I come from the Hispanic community, and my district understands very well what this topic is about, I found something that is right in the middle, that can satisfy both sides of the aisle — and that's called dignity." Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol April 10, 2024. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol April 10, 2024. Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images No More 'Catch and Release' For years, Republicans have decried what they saw as loopholes in and abuses of the asylum system, as well as inconsistent enforcement. Salazar argued that addressing those issues head-on is essential to fixing the broader immigration picture. "The legal immigration system needs to address 'catch and release' and the asylum system, which has been gamed for decades because there are no other routes to come to this country," she told Newsweek. "If we fix that — stop catch and release, stop gaming the asylum system, and give dignity to those already here, who work and have no criminal record — then we can fix all sides at the same time." The bill's provisions are also crafted with the economy in mind. Agriculture, hospitality, and construction — three sectors heavily reliant on immigrant labor — have reported labor shortages and disruptions as immigration enforcement escalates. Salazar said those industries cannot function without undocumented workers who have been living in the United States for years. The badge of a Customs and Border Protection agent is seen as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 18, 2025 in New York City. The badge of a Customs and Border Protection agent is seen as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 18, 2025 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images "What's possible right now is letting these people go home at night without fear, not being deported, and continuing to contribute to the economy," she said. The Dignity Act offers a compromise: enhanced border security and mandatory E-Verify paired with a seven-year renewable legal status — but not citizenship — for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2021, provided they pay restitution and comply with DHS monitoring. However, critics of the bill, particularly immigrant advocacy groups and some Democrats, have argued that by denying citizenship, it effectively consigns millions of people to permanent second-class status. Salazar rejected that characterization. "If you talk to millions of those facing deportation after years here, they would say: 'Of course, give me a solution.'" The bill also overhauls the byzantine asylum process, strengthens ports of entry and provides protections for Dreamers while explicitly excluding federal benefits for participants. Hard to Convince But inside her own party, Salazar faces strong resistance. Hardliners like Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and architect of some of the administration's toughest immigration policies, continue to advocate for mass deportations and minimal concessions. Salazar acknowledged that some Republicans view any legal status for those already in the country illegally as unacceptable, but she said the political and economic costs of inaction are growing. "Everything in life is timing," she told Newsweek. "Now that the southern border has been secured and the disaster of the last administration has been stopped — now is the time to look inward and fix other problems within immigration." White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to press outside of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. He has suggested that Americans are owed reparations for the impacts of... White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to press outside of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. He has suggested that Americans are owed reparations for the impacts of mass migration. MoreYet, as in previous attempts at reform, critics have likened the plan to Ronald Reagan's 1986 immigration law, which granted amnesty to millions. Salazar said her bill does not amount to amnesty by another name. "Opposition is welcomed — this is democracy. We're not in a dictatorship. But at the end of the day, Republicans need to find a solution to a problem that's been here for 40 years," she said. "The reality is that these workers are needed, industries must function, and Americans need food, construction, and hospitality to continue as they are now." At the center of her pitch is an appeal to the president himself. Despite his administration's deportations and aggressive rhetoric on immigrants, Salazar believes that Trump would be open to back her plan. "The president is an intelligent man. He's a construction guy with golf courses. He will sign 'Dignity' and be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism." The president has not commented on the Dignity Act, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was noncommittal when asked if Trump would veto it. "From my understanding, the White House nor the president has actually read through this legislation," Leavitt said, adding that Trump was busy with the flurry of legislation moving through Congress before the summer recess, such as the GENIUS Act and the rescissions package. "But the president has made it very clear he will not support amnesty for illegal aliens in any way," she added. Full Interview with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Q: Why are you leading on this bill? What personally or politically motivated you to champion the Dignity Act? Because it's the right thing to do for the economy of this country. The GOP has a historic opportunity to fix the immigration system after 40 years of it being broken. Since I come from the Hispanic community, and my district understands very well what this topic is about, I found something that is right in the middle, that can satisfy both sides of the aisle — and that's called dignity. Q: What do you think needs fixing right now in the legal immigration system beyond addressing undocumented immigrants? What do you see as the biggest problems that need reform? The legal immigration system needs to address "catch and release" and the asylum system, which has been gamed for decades because there are no other routes to come to this country. If we fix that — stop catch and release, stop gaming the asylum system, and give dignity to those already here, who work and have no criminal record — then we can fix all sides at the same time. And we've also allocated funds to secure the border permanently. If resources are placed correctly, we won't have mass illegal immigration anymore. Q: Why is bipartisan support necessary on immigration? What lessons have you learned from past failed efforts? Every important law — especially something so socially ingrained as immigration — needs Democrats on board. I believe the Democratic Party understands it's time to fix the problem. That's why we have a very important co-sponsor, Veronica Escobar, who joined us on the Dignity Act. It's a significant bipartisan legislative push. Q: How do you convince your fellow Republicans to back this? Immigration is a big topic on President Trump's agenda, and past immigration bills haven't moved forward. What's your strategy? Everything in life is timing. Now that the southern border has been secured and the disaster of the last administration has been stopped — now is the time to look inward and fix other problems within immigration. Border security and immigration are two different issues. Since the border has been sealed and illegal crossings are at record lows, now we can focus on immigration. Q: Why focus on worker protections rather than broader reform? Your bill highlights economic stability and protecting industries like agriculture. Why take this narrower focus instead of pushing for comprehensive reform Because it's the art of the possible. America's business is business. We want to create economic security and not disrupt the food chain, construction, or hospitality — industries that touch the lives of millions of Americans. If we were to deport or disrupt those three industries, the average American would feel it. The economy needs these workers who are already here. We might as well bring them out of the shadows, give them dignity, have them pay a fine and 1% of their salary every year. Everyone benefits. Q: There's also a significant opposition within the Republican Party and American society to these kinds of policies. What kind of opposition have you faced, and how do you convince people this isn't like the amnesty under Ronald Reagan in 1986? Opposition is welcomed — this is democracy. We're not in a dictatorship. But at the end of the day, Republicans need to find a solution to a problem that's been here for 40 years. It's our job as legislators. Opposition may exist, but the reality is that these workers are needed, industries must function, and Americans need food, construction, and hospitality to continue as they are now. Q: Some critics say the Dignity Act creates a permanent underclass — a group of workers without full rights of citizenship. How do you respond to those concerns? It's the art of the possible. What's possible right now is letting these people go home at night without fear, not being deported, and continuing to contribute to the economy. If you talk to millions of those facing deportation after years here, they would say: "Of course, give me dignity." Q: Recent polls show Hispanic support for President Trump has declined somewhat due to immigration procedures in the past months. From your perspective, what do you think about those efforts, and what could the administration do better? Sign the Dignity Act. The president is an intelligent man. He's a construction guy with golf courses. He will sign Dignity and be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. Q: And if this fails, what's next for you? Will you keep pushing? I'm not going to fail. Just watch.
Los Angeles Times
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Letters to the Editor: Meaningful immigration reform must come from both sides of the aisle
To the editor: If we are to have meaningful immigration reform, which hasn't happened for nearly 40 years, both sides of the aisle must participate ('Democrats, playing defense on immigration, see a flicker of hope in new polls,' July 17). Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida has introduced a bill called the Dignity Act of 2025, which provides legal status to undocumented migrants who meet certain requirements, have no serious criminal record, pay restitution and give 1% of their earnings to the U.S. government. As Washington bureau chief Michael Wilner notes, Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona is also working on immigration reform. He is a centrist Democrat and has a proposal titled 'Securing the Border and Fueling Economic Prosperity.' His plan calls for significant border security enhancements as well as an increase in visa and green card opportunities and pathways to citizenship. Americans from both parties could support immigration reform that is humane and economically sensible. We now have two lawmakers from different political ideologies who have the opportunity to work together and get their colleagues on board on the way to making America a better place to live, and to create a more hopeful future for our children. Anastacio Vigil, Santa Monica
Fox News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Bipartisan bill would grant legal status to certain illegal immigrant workers
Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, introduced legislation on Tuesday to reform the U.S. immigration system, including offering legal status for certain illegal immigrants to continue working in the country amid President Donald Trump's mass deportation policies. The Dignity Act of 2025 would allow illegal immigrants who have been in the U.S. since before 2021 the opportunity to apply for up to seven years of legal status with work authorization. The immigrants would pay restitution and check in regularly with the Department of Homeland Security, and their legal status could be renewed based on good conduct and restitution. The bill would offer a path to permanent residency, but the legal status afforded to the immigrants would not allow for any federal benefits or a path to U.S. citizenship. "The Dignity Act of 2025 is a revolutionary bill that offers the solution to our immigration crisis: secure the border, stop illegal immigration, and provide an earned opportunity for long-term immigrants to stay here and work," Salazar said in a statement. "No amnesty. No handouts. No citizenship. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future." The bill would be fully funded through restitution payments and application fees made by immigrants, meaning it will not rely on any taxpayer money. The measure would also aim to end catch-and-release and further bolster security at the Southern Border as well as require employers across the country to use E-Verify, the government system for checking the legal status of workers. It would also expand training, apprenticeships, and education for American workers. The legislation seeks to address the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, which has heavily affected farms and food service providers and included raids targeting migrant workers at local businesses, sparking protests in Los Angeles and elsewhere across the U.S. against the president's mass deportation agenda. A recent raid on two cannabis facilities in Southern California led to a few hundred migrant arrests and clashes between federal immigration agents and protesters. One person died after the raids and others were critically injured. "I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of our broken immigration system, and as a member of Congress, I take seriously my obligation to propose a solution. Realistic, common-sense compromise is achievable, and is especially important given the urgency of this moment. I consider the Dignity Act of 2025 a critical first step to overhauling this broken system," Escobar said. "Immigrants – especially those who have been in the United States for decades – make up a critical component of our communities and also of the American workforce and economy," she continued. "The vast majority of immigrants are hard-working, law-abiding residents; and, most Americans recognize that it is in our country's best interest to find bipartisan reforms. We can enact legislation that incorporates both humanity and security, and the Dignity Act of 2025 offers a balanced approach that restores dignity to people who have tried to navigate a broken system for far too long." Congress has worked in the past on comprehensive immigration reform, but Salazar and Escobar are optimistic their bill could lead to significant bipartisan support. A bipartisan group of 20 other House members have already signed onto the bill. "In conversations across NY-17, I've heard a lot of frustration, both from employers struggling to fill jobs and families looking to reunite with their loved ones," Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., said. "We must do this by fixing our broken legal immigration system, securing our borders, and creating a fair, earned process for those who are already here and contributing. The Dignity Act honors America's legacy of being a nation of immigrants and that's why I'm proud to support it." The administration has already begun working to provide some protection for certain migrant workers, and Trump said last month he was considering a way for some migrant workers to remain in the U.S. "We're working on it right now. We're going to work it so that some kind of a temporary pass where people pay taxes, where the farmer can have a little control, as opposed to you walk in and take everybody away. What we're going to do is we're going to do something for farmers, where we can let the farmer sort of be in charge. The farmer knows. He's not going to hire a murderer," Trump said during a June 29 interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Bipartisan lawmakers reup immigration bill amid Trump deportation crackdown
Washington – A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday reintroduced a comprehensive bill to reform the immigration system and create a potential pathway to legal status for long-term undocumented immigrants. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican of Florida, and Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas, announced the legislation, known as the DIGNITY Act, at a press conference alongside more than a dozen co-sponsors. "We have 10 million people or more working in construction, hospitality, agriculture, dairy, fisheries, slaughterhouses who are undocumented but are not criminals," Salazar told reporters. "No more need to choose between amnesty or deportation. The Dignity bill is the answer!" The measure would establish a "Dignity Program" to grant legal status, including work and travel authority, to undocumented immigrants who have resided in the United States for at least five years. Eligible applicants would have to pass a criminal background check, pay taxes and submit $7,000 in restitution over the duration of the seven-year program. After completion, they could renew their status indefinitely to stay and work in the U.S. as long as they meet the criteria. Participants would not be eligible for federal benefits or entitlements. "Congress has not passed comprehensive immigration reform in our country in nearly four decades," Escobar said. "This bill addresses long standing, long overdue legislation that will benefit our Dreamers, some of the most important young people in our country who by no choice of their own are here and know no other land than America. This will help American families who are married to an undocumented spouse who have long sought relief through the courts, through law. This will help millions and millions of people who are a critical component of the American economy." The bill makes additional investments to border security and enforcement but would protect sensitive locations from enforcement activities without prior approval, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. It would also cut visa backlogs and reform the asylum program by expediting processing of asylum seekers with determinations made within 60 days. The bill also includes a $70 billion fund for training American workers. The legislation comes as the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny over its mass deportation program. Last week a federal judge ordered the administration to temporarily halt indiscriminate immigration raids in Los Angeles and other California counties. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said "federal agents will continue to enforce the law and abide by the U.S. Constitution." A group of farm workers in California is calling for a three-day national strike beginning Wednesday to protest the ICE raids. They're also demanding immediate citizenship for farm workers and encouraging a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Organizers hope the effort to boycott produce products and companies that employ undocumented immigrants will put more pressure on the Trump administration. "The immigrant communities across America are terrified," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "They are really scared out there. Some of the kids are skipping school. Families are being separated. We are fighting together trying to bring consensus, trying to bring dignity and security for families across America."
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Bipartisan lawmakers reup bill to provide new legal pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants
Washington – A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Tuesday reintroduced a comprehensive bill to reform the immigration system and create a potential pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, Republican of Florida, and Veronica Escobar, Democrat of Texas, announced the legislation, known as the DIGNITY Act, at a press conference alongside more than a dozen co-sponsors. "We have 10 million people or more working in construction, hospitality, agriculture, dairy, fisheries, slaughterhouses who are undocumented but are not criminals," Salazar told reporters. "No more need to choose between amnesty or deportation. The Dignity bill is the answer!" The measure would establish a "Dignity Program" to grant legal status, including work and travel authority, to undocumented immigrants who have resided in the United States for at least five years. Eligible applicants would have to pass a criminal background check, pay taxes and submit $7,000 in restitution over the duration of the seven-year program. After completion, they could renew their status indefinitely to stay and work in the U.S. as long as they meet the criteria. Participants would not be eligible for federal benefits or entitlements. "Congress has not passed comprehensive immigration reform in our country in nearly four decades," Escobar said. "This bill addresses long standing, long overdue legislation that will benefit our Dreamers, some of the most important young people in our country who by no choice of their own are here and know no other land than America. This will help American families who are married to an undocumented spouse who have long sought relief through the courts, through law. This will help millions and millions of people who are a critical component of the American economy." The bill makes additional investments to border security and enforcement but would protect sensitive locations from enforcement activities without prior approval, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. It would also cut visa backlogs and reform the asylum program by expediting processing of asylum seekers with determinations made within 60 days. The bill also includes a $70 billion fund for training American workers. The legislation comes as the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny over its mass deportation program. Last week a federal judge ordered the administration to temporarily halt indiscriminate immigration raids in Los Angeles and other California counties. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said "federal agents will continue to enforce the law and abide by the U.S. Constitution." A group of farm workers in California is calling for a three-day national strike beginning Wednesday to protest the ICE raids. They're also demanding immediate citizenship for farm workers and encouraging a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Organizers hope the effort to boycott produce products and companies that employ undocumented immigrants will put more pressure on the Trump administration. "The immigrant communities across America are terrified," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a New York Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "They are really scared out there. Some of the kids are skipping school. Families are being separated. We are fighting together trying to bring consensus, trying to bring dignity and security for families across America."
