Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) recently explained that her legislation, the “Dignity Act,” offers legal relief for undocumented immigrants who arrived before the end of 2020 and have maintained a clean record.
“We give them dignity,” she stated, adding, “At some point in the future, another legislator will write another law to give them [a] path to citizenship. Right now, what we need to do is buy peace for these people, allow them to stay, to continue working, because they’re needed.”
Salazar emphasized the economic benefits of the bill. “They do not have a criminal record. They have not gotten into trouble. They have been here for a long time. They have roots in the country,” she noted. “Let them stay. Don’t give them any type of federal programs, and allow them to pay taxes, help the Social Security fund, and let them stay and contribute with the economy.”
In a previous press conference with Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Salazar appealed to President Trump for support, urging him to follow in the footsteps of historical figures such as Lincoln and Reagan in molding his legacy on immigration. “Sir, I believe that you could be, for immigration, what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism,” she said. “You are a businessman who understands our economy needs a reliable working force in areas where other Americans don’t participate.”
• Seven-Year Legal Status: Available to undocumented individuals who arrived before the end of 2020, without criminal records.
• Work Authorization and Protection: Recipients are eligible for employment and shielded from deportation during the period.
• Path to Permanent Residency: Dreamers and DACA recipients can gain conditional permanent residency for 10 years, with paths to full legal status through education, military service, or sustained employment.
Proponents argue the bill balances immigration reform with economic necessity by enabling otherwise law-abiding migrants to support the tax base and community without resorting to federal welfare programs.
