The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar announced this Thursday that she will once again present the Dignity Act, a proposed immigration reform that aims to provide a path to legalization for immigrants with no criminal record who have lived and worked in the United States for at least five years.
Salazar declared in a video posted on her X account that she has sent a letter to the administration of Donald Trump urging him to take care of those who have been in the country for over five years, contributing to the economy and without criminal records, those who also "have American children, who have been paying taxes, who are working, helping the economy":
"Do not touch them," the congresswoman requested for those she considers "the silent heroes who are day after day doing the jobs that no one wants to do."
In her statement, she mentioned that she also asked to protect Cubans with I-220A, as well as Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS); however, she did not address those who arrived through the humanitarian parole program implemented by Biden and revoked last week by Trump.
In their request, very few Cubans would qualify, as those who have been in the U.S. for at least five years have had the opportunity to regularize their status through the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for permanent residency after having spent one year and one day in the country.
The congresswoman had already insisted that she would revisit the bill she introduced in May 2023, known as the "Dignity" Act, which would allow immigrants to obtain temporary legal status in exchange for paying taxes, contributing to a border security fund, and meeting good behavior requirements.
This proposal seeks to be a solution for securing the border, restoring law and order in the immigration system, as well as offering a legal status for 10 years that can be renewed, along with an optional additional five-year path for permanent legalization, according to a statement from the office of the Republican Congresswoman this Tuesday.
The bill presents several programs. Through the Dignity Program, which lasts for 10 years, undocumented immigrants will have the opportunity to work, obtain legal status, pay restitution, and comply with the law. They must abide by all federal and state laws, pass background checks, work, and pay taxes.
The Dignity program offers work authorization and protection against deportation proceedings as long as the conditions are met. Participants will pay $10,000 in restitution over the 10 years of the program, must register with the Department of Homeland Security every two years, and maintain good public standing.
On the other hand, the Redemption Program is presented, which requires the completion of the 10-year Dignity Program to start. It offers an opportunity for redemption and to obtain permanent legal status.
This option requires participants to learn English and about American civics, and to contribute to their local community through community service or an additional payment of $5,000 in restitution.
Salazar has also intervened on several occasions in favor of Cubans who are in the U.S. with I-220A, a measure granted to thousands of migrants who have not received a permanent immigration status.
The congresswoman has requested that these cases be considered with greater flexibility, urging the government to provide them with the opportunity to regularize their situation. "These Cubans have come in search of freedom and should not be sent back to the dictatorship that oppresses them," she emphasized.
Without humanitarian parole
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the U.S. began sending an electronic notification this Friday to migrants who arrived in the country under the humanitarian parole, informing them that they must leave the United States or they will be expelled.
The revocation of parole implies that migrants benefiting from this program must leave the United States before their permission expires, or they will face a deportation process. This program, implemented by the Biden administration, allowed the temporary entry of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, but has been terminated under the Trump administration, affecting over 532,000 people.
The notice of termination of the parole warns that the employment authorization based on probation is also revoked.
If migrants do not leave the United States before the expiration date of their parole, they will begin to accumulate unlawful presence, which may affect future applications for entry into the country. Additionally, they could be subject to expedited deportation processes under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dignity Act and its Impact on Immigrants in the U.S.
What is the Dignity Law proposed by María Elvira Salazar?
The Dignity Law is a proposed immigration reform that aims to provide a pathway to legalization for immigrants with no criminal record who have resided and worked in the United States for at least five years. The law would allow individuals to obtain temporary legal status in exchange for paying taxes and contributing to a border security fund, among other requirements.
How does the revocation of humanitarian parole affect Cubans in the United States?
The revocation of humanitarian parole affects Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans who entered with this permission. These migrants must now leave the United States or face deportation proceedings. The measure has created uncertainty among those who relied on this program for their legal status in the country.
What measures has María Elvira Salazar taken regarding Cubans with I-220A?
Maria Elvira Salazar is advocating for a bill to regularize Cubans with I-220A, granting them permanent legal status. She has stressed that these migrants should be able to benefit from the Cuban Adjustment Act. Salazar has also urged the Department of Homeland Security not to detain any more Cubans under this status.
What criticism does María Elvira Salazar have regarding the immigration policies of the Biden administration?
María Elvira Salazar has harshly criticized the immigration policies of the Biden administration, arguing that they have created a "migrant disaster" and a "legal limbo" for many immigrants. Salazar blames the Biden administration for the crisis and broken promises that, according to her, have left many migrants in uncertain situations.
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