Related videos:
The Republican congresswoman María Elvira Salazar reiterated her stance on U.S. immigration policy and defended her project known as the Law of Dignity, which proposes stricter border control and continues deportations, including those who arrived in the country under the Biden Administration, among them thousands of Cubans.
In a post on social media X, the legislator from Florida directly responded to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who questioned the bill by claiming that it would “protect illegal immigrants from deportation if they have been in the United States since before 2021.”
Kirk accused the proposal of being a "soft amnesty" that "would effectively put an end to the mass deportations that Americans have just voted for."
María Elvira immediately reacted to Kirk's criticism
“Charlie, there are no tricks. There are no magic words. (…) The deportations of criminals and anyone who has been under the Biden administration will continue,” said the congresswoman in a message on the social network X.
In addition, it was clarified that there are mechanisms to verify how long a person has stayed in the United States, such as passport entries, records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), employment verification, or tax payments.
“The burden of proof rests with the individual. If they cannot demonstrate it, they do not qualify,” María Elvira stated, emphasizing that her proposal does not include citizenship or automatic benefits.
Ensures that the intention of its bill is to permanently curb illegal immigration, implement mandatory electronic verification at the national level, and guarantee “order, dignity, and economic stability.”
“The Dignity Law is not an amnesty. It is not a pathway to citizenship. There are no aids. It is a way forward for our economy and our future,” Salazar emphasized in her message.
The legislator has emphasized that her immigration reform plan secures the border and provides a legal pathway for long-term immigrants who work, pay taxes, and fulfill their responsibilities, without granting privileges or automatic benefits.
The statements have raised concerns among migrant communities, especially among the thousands of Cubans who entered the U.S. with documents such as I-220A, I-220B, CBP One, or Venezuelans who are beneficiaries of TPS, who fear facing the risk of deportation under this new legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dignity Act and Deportations under the Biden Administration
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 undocumented immigrants without criminal records who have lived and worked in the U.S. for at least five years. The proposal is based on two programs: the Dignity Program, which grants temporary legal status, and the Redemption Program, which allows for the possibility of permanent residency after meeting certain additional requirements.
Will the deportations of immigrants who arrived during the Biden administration continue?
Yes, the deportations of immigrants who arrived during the Biden administration will continue, according to María Elvira Salazar. The congresswoman emphasized that her proposal does not protect those who entered during that administration, and that deportations will continue for those who cannot prove their prolonged stay in the U.S. with the required documentation.
How does the Dignity Law and the current deportations affect Cubans?
The Dignity Law could provide a path to legalization for some Cubans with an I-220A, as long as they meet the requirements of having no criminal records and having resided in the U.S. for at least five years. However, Cubans who entered under Biden's humanitarian parole program face the risk of deportation following the termination of the program by the Trump administration, unless they are already in the process of regularizing their immigration status.
What mechanisms are used to verify the length of stay of an immigrant in the U.S.?
There are several mechanisms to verify an immigrant's length of stay in the U.S., such as entries in the passport, records from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), proof of employment, or tax payment records. The burden of proof lies with the individual, who must demonstrate their prolonged stay to qualify under the Dignity Act.
Filed under: