Today, Representative Maria Elvira Salazar hosted a roundtable discussion with Miami community leaders on her Dignity Act (H.R. 6637) a complete immigration reform bill consisting of 3 core principles: stopping illegal immigration, providing a dignified solution for immigrants living in America, and strengthening the American workforce and economy. Roundtable attendees included representation from a diverse set of activists and leaders from various Miami stakeholder groups including the Honduran-American, the Venezuelan-American, the Colombian-American, and the Nicaraguan-American communities, as well immigration attorneys, faith leaders, economic empowerment advocates and mental health advocates.
“I am very glad to hear from community leaders around Miami and answer their questions about my proposal to address the complex problems our country faces around immigration,” said Rep. Salazar. “As your voice in Washington, I am working diligently to solve one of the most complex issues in our community and across America. That is why introduced the Dignity Act, which fully secures our border and addresses the systemic issues in our immigration system through common sense solutions.”
“We applaud Congresswoman Salazar's leadership in addressing the nation's complex immigration reform needs. The Dignity Act aims to create a pathway to the American Dream while maintaining law and order. As a first-generation American and the son of Nicaraguan Immigrants, I appreciate the Congresswoman's initiative; and hope that Congress can provide a commonsense, bi-partisan solution to the country’s pressing Immigration issues,” said Jonathan Durate, Director of Union Nicaraguense Autoconvocada (UNA).
“The Dignity Act, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar and a group of Republicans, is a comprehensive immigration reform that addresses three important concerns: border security, the current situation of undocumented immigrants, and the American workers and economy. The bill also provides a solution for those who came to the U.S. as children, for TPS holders, and for agricultural workers. Fixing the American immigration system is a challenge and no bill may have solutions for every single issue, but the Dignity Act offers a solution for the most compelling immigration concerns,” said Martha Arias, Immigration Attorney & Shareholder at Arias Villa LLC.
"We congratulate Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar for taking a step forward and proposing the Dignity Law as an alternative to solve an immigration system that needs immediate reform. The contribution of the eleven million immigrants to the development of this beautiful nation is undeniable, and a humanitarian solution is necessary for thousands of families who find themselves in a migratory limbo,” said Indira Morales, President of Organizacion Hondurena Francisco Morazan.
“I think Congresswoman Salazar’s immigration plan is comprehensive, balanced, and necessary for our community and beneficial for our country,” said Alfred Santamaria, President & Founder of Fundación Colombo Americanos Unidos.
“I think DIGNITY is an answer to a growing immigration problem that no one wants to tackle, because it offers a righteous path to what this country is all about. Freedom and opportunity for all,” said Dr. Edgar Ordóñez, Senior Pastor at New Hope in Christ Ministry.
"The Dignity Act represents a step forward to defend our national security and alleviate the burden of millions of immigrants," said Maria Herrera, Chief Legal Officer of Americano Media and Attorney-at-Law at Kivaki Law Firm.
The Dignity Act is the only realistic solution proposed in Congress that fully secures the border, reestablishes law and order in our immigration system, enacts a 10-year Dignity Program providing renewable legal status, and offers an additional optional redemption path to permanent legalization. This reasonable and compassionate approach will finally fix an immigration system that has been broken for decades. It was written in consultation with American businesses leaders, agriculture and farming industries, the faith-based community, immigration reform groups, and border security experts.
For a one-pager on the Dignity Act, click here.
For a brief background on the Dignity Act, click here.
For a more detailed summary of the Dignity Act, click here.
For the full bill text, click here.
For more quotes from relevant national groups, click here.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar formally introduced the Dignity Act in early February 2022 and will continue working to advocate for it. She has been lauded as a champion for immigration reform during her first term in Congress. Prior to her election Salazar spent 35 years as a Spanish-language primetime journalist, covering immigration and speaking with the Hispanic community in America about the appropriate way to address these complex issues.
Editor’s Note: Please find several photos of the event linked here for reporting purposes.
Original source can be found here.
