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The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar acknowledged on Monday the significance of Hispanic workers in the economy of the United States, with a message highlighting their essential role in agriculture.
According to a post on X, “almost 30% of agricultural workers in the United States are Hispanic. Their work fills our grocery stores and puts food on our tables. This Labor Day, we honor the workers who harvest our fields and keep America fed, today and always.”
In another post on X, the congresswoman said: "On this Labor Day, we honor the Hispanic workers who are rarely seen, but on whom we always depend."
In addition, he emphasized: "To those who clean our hotel rooms, work in the kitchens of our restaurants, and keep our country running: THANK YOU! You are the force that unites and strengthens our communities, and we are deeply grateful to you."
Both statements add to a series of recent messages in which the Republican lawmaker has emphasized recognizing the importance of migrants to the country, in a context where the nation has lost over a million immigrants in its workforce.
Just a few months ago, María Elvira , stating that they are an essential part of the American economy and deserve more dignified conditions.
At another moment, she warned in Congress about the consequences of tightening immigration measures, alerting that mass deportations and labor restrictions would directly impact key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and services.
Her position is not new. For years, Salazar has been promoting the so-called "Dignity Law", an initiative aimed at regularizing millions of undocumented individuals who have lived in the country for over a decade, in exchange for strengthening border security and requiring tax accountability.
According to the congresswoman, this proposal would allow for "a realistic solution to a problem that neither Democrats nor Republicans have resolved in decades."
The Republican congresswoman for Florida's 27th district has tried to position herself as a pragmatic voice within her party amid a political climate shaped by President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
Both have advocated for the need to strengthen controls, while Salazar insists that there should also be a legal pathway for those who sustain essential sectors of the economy.
In previous statements, Salazar emphasized that "these workers put food on our table," and that ignoring their contributions is a strategic and human error.
His Labor Day message reinforces that idea, aligning it with a discourse that blends recognition of Hispanic sacrifice with the urgency of immigration reform that, he emphasizes, can no longer be postponed.
However, recently the President of the United States, Donald Trump, admitted that immigrants play a crucial role in sectors such as agriculture, and suggested that his administration is considering adjustments to immigration policies to protect agricultural production.
In contrast, Trump celebrated in March that wage gains for workers born in the United States surpassed those of migrant and foreign workers for the first time in 15 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Impact of Hispanic Workers and the Dignity Law in the U.S.
What is the role of Hispanic workers in the economy of the United States?
Almost 30% of agricultural workers in the United States are Hispanic, playing a crucial role in stocking supermarkets and keeping the country fed. Their contribution is essential in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and services.
What does María Elvira Salazar's Dignity Law propose?
The Dignity Law aims to provide a pathway to legalization for immigrants without criminal records who have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. It includes programs such as the Dignity Program and the Redemption Program, which grant legal status in exchange for meeting certain requirements, such as paying taxes and learning English.
How does the current immigration policy affect the economy of the U.S.?
Mass deportations and immigration restrictions are negatively affecting key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. The labor shortage in these areas can slow down economic growth and impact the stability of communities that rely on immigrant workers.
What is María Elvira Salazar's stance on the deportation of undocumented immigrants?
María Elvira Salazar has argued that undocumented migrant workers should not be deported, as they are essential for the country's economic functioning. While she supports the deportation of criminals, she advocates for immigration reform that would regularize those who contribute positively to the economy.
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