(Washington D.C.) — Florida Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar of Miami standing with employers, veterans, and faith leaders pushing for work permits for long-term immigrants.
Salazar is the DIGNITY Act sponsor and adds the measure does not protect criminals who are here illegally. Instead, she says it is designed to fix our nation’s broken immigration system.
She says, “HR 43-93 provides a dignified solution for undocumented immigrants with mixed families and veteran spouses to stay in America.” She adds, “The measure expedites asylum processing and ends catch-and-release policies. Dreamers and DACA recipients are also granted permanent resident status for 10 years.”
According to Salazar, the DIGNITY Act would end illegal immigration, protect American workers and support agricultural industries. She adds attendance in Hispanic churches has declined thirty percent over fear of deportation. She says “America cannot wait any longer for immigration reform while 75% of long-term immigrants have American children.”
“For 40 years, every president and Congress has looked the other way while millions have lived here illegally, many working in key industries that keep our economy running. It’s the Achilles’ heel no one wants to fix. The Dignity Act offers a commonsense solution: certain undocumented immigrants can earn legal status, not citizenship, by working, paying taxes, and contributing to our country. No handouts. No shortcuts. Just accountability and a path to stability for our economy and our future.” – Rep. María Elvira Salazar