The Cuban-American congresswoman María Elvira Salazar warned on social media that the purchase of a home in Miami is “increasingly out of reach”, amidst the significant real estate crisis facing South Florida.
In a message posted on her X account, the Republican legislator highlighted that the dream of homeownership is slipping away for thousands of families, while emphasizing the need for "bold solutions" to address the housing crisis.
"Owning a home in Miami is increasingly out of reach, and with a deepening housing crisis, bold solutions are needed now more than ever," wrote Salazar, after sharing a video released by the White House.
The audiovisual material, recorded from the Oval Office, shows President Donald Trump asserting that affordable housing is "a fundamental part of the American dream" and defending his administration's efforts to reduce regulations and make access to mortgages easier.
Housing prices in Miami have reached historic levels in recent years, driven by a massive influx of investors, a shortage of supply, and high living costs.
For many working families, including thousands of Cubans living in the area, the possibility of acquiring a home has become an increasingly distant goal.
A few months ago, a viral post recalled that in the 1950s, a house in North Miami Beach cost just $13,990. Adjusted for inflation, it would be around $180,000 today, but those same homes can currently exceed $550,000. For many, this is the clearest example of how the American dream of homeownership has been fading away over the generations.
The attempt to alleviate the crisis
María Elvira's remarks align with local efforts to alleviate the issue. In June, Miami-Dade opened registrations for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program, aimed at low-income families. More than 30 housing developments participated in this round, but the high demand and strict requirements reflect the limited solutions in a city where over 60% of tenants spend at least one-third of their income on rent, a situation deemed unsustainable.
Although these initiatives aim to relieve pressure, for many residents, the possibility of owning a home is reduced to an obstacle course marked by waiting lists, lotteries, and inadequate assistance.
The congresswoman's message was linked to the Innovative Housing Showcase 2025 organized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), taking place from September 6 to 10 at the National Mall in Washington.
Under the slogan "The American home is the American dream", the event showcases construction technologies, innovative designs, and discussions about the future of housing access in the United States.
Beyond the official announcements, María Elvira's comments directly touch on a concern that affects Miami families daily, particularly the Cuban community, as they struggle to secure their own homes in a city that has become a symbol of the diaspora.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Housing Crisis in Miami and the Statements by María Elvira Salazar
Why is it increasingly difficult to buy a home in Miami?
The purchase of housing in Miami is becoming increasingly unaffordable due to the massive influx of investors, the shortage of supply, and the high cost of living. These factors have caused housing prices to reach historic levels, making the dream of homeownership seem distant for many working families, including thousands of Cubans settled in the area.
What solutions does María Elvira Salazar propose for the housing crisis in Miami?
María Elvira Salazar has emphasized the need for "bold solutions" to tackle the housing emergency in Miami. Although she does not specify concrete measures in her recent statements, she has expressed her support for federal and local initiatives aimed at alleviating the pressure, such as the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program, which is focused on low-income families in Miami-Dade.
How does the rise of millionaires in Miami affect long-time residents?
The rise of millionaires in Miami has driven up the real estate market, pushing many long-time residents to leave the city. The influx of people with high net worth has skyrocketed property prices, making home purchases unaffordable for middle-income workers, including many Cubans who have lived in Miami for decades.
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