Rep. Maria Salazar Advocates for DIGNIDAD Act

Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Florida) has called on Republicans to support the DIGNIDAD Act, a comprehensive amnesty program aimed at permitting millions of undocumented immigrants to stay in the U.S. while also boosting legal immigration levels. She argues this move could demonstrate to Democrats that Republicans are not inherently racist.

During an appearance on Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade’s radio show, Salazar remarked, “It’s impossible for us Republicans to get a bill like this on the floor. If you’re a Hispanic Democrat, you know that ‘Hispanics belong to the Democratic Party.’ Well, I think that’s changing. We’re trying to show the Democratic Party that we’re not just a racist group; we’re offering dignity, not civil rights.”

Salazar went on to describe the DIGNIDAD Act as pivotal for the future of the Republican Party, emphasizing that the coalition supporting it contributed significantly to Trump’s election. She recalled Trump proclaiming that “Hispanics pushed me to the top.” This, she implied, underscores the need for Republican leadership to endorse the bill.

As noted in various reports, the act aims to provide amnesty for around 10.5 million undocumented immigrants who were in the U.S. prior to 2021, contingent upon meeting specific requirements. Additionally, it proposes more than double the current employment-based legal immigration rates and expands opportunities for international students, which might cater to corporate interests seeking foreign talent.

At present, 19 House Republicans have expressed their support for the DIGNIDAD Act, including Mike Lawler (R-NY), Monica Dela Cruz (R-TX), Nick LaLota (R-NY), and Zachary Nunn (R-IA).

Throughout her interview, Salazar asserted, without any challenge from Kilmeade, that the proposed bill would not create a path to citizenship for those undocumented immigrants. “We’re simply allowing these individuals to remain and work in five essential areas,” she stated. Kilmeade then questioned, “Isn’t that civil rights?”

Salazar clarified, “There was never a path to citizenship in the DIGNIDAD Act, and I appreciate you pointing that out, as many critics say otherwise.” Kilmeade echoed her remarks, maintaining that “the bill is not an amnesty because it does not offer citizenship.”

However, it’s worth noting that the DIGNIDAD Act would let many undocumented immigrants classified as “DREAMers” adjust their status to receive green cards, which could eventually lead to U.S. citizenship.

The act is expected to facilitate naturalization as well, thanks to provisions that significantly raise quotas for employment-based green cards; holders can apply for citizenship after five years of residing in the U.S.

In addition to the DREAM Act’s amnesty features, the bill would enable a large portion of the estimated 11 to 22 million undocumented immigrants in the country to stay through what’s termed Dignity Programs, ultimately achieving Dignity Status, which would allow for indefinite residency.

Salazar’s legislation also includes provisions for Optional Practical Training (OPT), offering companies a 15.5 percent incentive for hiring foreign graduates over recent American graduates.