Dignity Act Gains Momentum in the House of Representatives
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The bipartisan Dignity Act (H.R. 3599) spearheaded by Reps. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) has made significant progress in the House of Representatives since being introduced in May.
This historic immigration bill is the only legislation in Congress that addresses all the pressing challenges within our nation's immigration system. It has garnered bipartisan backing and is steadily advancing and building support.
"I am heartened by the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by my colleagues in advancing the Dignity Act,” said Rep. Salazar. “Together, Republicans and Democrats are working to uphold the dignity of individuals while securing our borders and ensuring a prosperous future for our nation."
Representatives Salazar and Escobar introduced the bill on May 23rd, in conjunction with Reps. Jenniffer González Colon (R-PR), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Kathy Manning (D-NC), Michael Lawler (R-NY), and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY). Subsequently, Reps. John Duarte (R-CA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Susie Lee (D-NV) have joined.
These members represent a broad and diverse group of states and territories, including Florida, Texas, New York, California, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, and Puerto Rico.
Dozens of prominent stakeholders have weighed in, including support from across the business sector, immigration groups, the agricultural community, the faith community, educators, economic experts, community leaders, Ambassadors, and United States Senators.
Rep. Salazar will continue working in Congress to advance this critical bill.
Read about the bill’s provision at the Dignity Act landing page HERE.
If you would like to add your voice of support for the Dignity Act, email JMK@mail.house.gov and jgo@mail.house.gov!
Check out all the statements of support from national and Miami stakeholders on the Dignity Act below:
NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS
"BRT applauds @RepMariaSalazar and @RepEscobar for introducing the bipartisan Dignity Act. This legislation would improve border security, help address our workforce shortage and strengthen our competitiveness." – Business Roundtable
"The Dignity Act represents one of the best good-faith efforts toward comprehensive immigration reform that we have seen in years. Evangelicals believe that all people have been made in the image of God. This legislation takes into account the intrinsic dignity of undocumented immigrants, offers functional legal mechanisms for immigration, and respects due process and secure borders." – National Association of Evangelicals President Walter Kim
"We appreciate U.S. Reps. Salazar and Escobar, along with a bipartisan group of members, for including meaningful agricultural labor reform provisions in their reintroduction of the Dignity Act. The domestic labor shortage remains one of agriculture’s greatest challenges, impacting farmers today and jeopardizing the future of American agriculture. Congress must address this workforce crisis threatening farms across the U.S. so our producers can continue to grow, feed, clothe and fuel our nation." – Agriculture Workforce Coalition
"We applaud these lawmakers for their willingness to work across the aisle and taking this step toward fixing a system that for far too long has not be effective and efficient in tackling the needs of our nation. We urge their colleagues in the House and Senate as well as the Biden Administration to engage with the solutions proposed in this bill as well as those offered in the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which recently passed the House. As long as congress continues to delay on getting solutions passed, our country will continue to face immense immigration crises." – LIBRE Initiative Public Affairs Director Cesar Grajales
"EWIC commends Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) and Veronica Escobar (D-Tex.) on the introduction of their bill, called the Dignity Act of 2023. This bill, would, among other things, provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers, individuals with Temporary Protected Status and undocumented immigrants, update the legal immigration process and provide the resources needed to secure our borders, Congress has an opportunity to make meaningful changes to key immigration-related policy. We understand the need to find immigration solutions at the border and in other key areas and urge Congress to work together to find a compromise and include it in any legislation that will pass in 2023." – Essential Worker Immigration Coalition
"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce commends Representatives Salazar, Escobar, González-Colón, Scholten, Chavez-DeRemer, Manning, and Lawler for introducing the DIGNITY Act of 2023. This proposal contains the types of bipartisan solutions needed to secure our borders, fix our asylum system, and help American companies meet their workforce needs. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors to get these desperately needed reforms to our nation’s broken immigration system enacted into law." – U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Immigration Policy Jon Baselice
"Our immigration system is deeply broken and congressional action is long overdue. That’s why I applaud Reps. Salazar and Escobar for their leadership in introducing the bipartisan Dignity Act. Their legislation is an important step forward as we work towards a more fair, humane, orderly, and legal immigration system. I look forward to working with my colleagues to introduce legislation in the Senate that can move us forward." – Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
"We need to work together to find durable, comprehensive solutions to create an orderly, safe, and humane migration system. The United States Congress needs to help to resolve this challenge. Today, in an example of bipartisanship, Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) introduced legislation to secure the border and address migration. Their bill is cosponsored by 5 other House members from both parties. This year, Mission Mexico had the honor of hosting Representatives Escobar and Salazar in Mexico City along with ten other members of the United States Senate and House. During that visit, we discussed the realities along the U.S. Mexico border, the need to secure the border, and address the challenges posed by the unprecedented migration flows across Mexico and to the United States-Mexico border. The members of the delegation expressed interest in finding durable solutions to migration and border challenges that have eluded meaningful Congressional action for the last several decades. I hope Republicans and Democrats can work together to find solutions to these humanitarian and security challenges. We need Congress to act to create sustainable solutions to the shared migration challenges our countries face. We at Mission Mexico hope that efforts like this one by Representatives Salazar and Escobar and their colleagues will spur the bipartisan action that is urgently needed to address the economic and humanitarian realities on the U.S.-Mexico border." – U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar
"The Dignity Act is a welcome bipartisan effort that differs from nearly all its failed predecessors’ attempts. It is led by women who intimately understand the immigration issues and who understand how things get done. The bill is a thoughtful jumping-off point for serious, substantive negotiations. We’re hopeful that bipartisan Senate buy-in follows shortly, adding to its promise." – Niskanen Center Vice President of Policy Kristie De Peña
"With the bipartisan reintroduction of the Dignity Act, Rep. Salazar is taking a positive step toward achieving a workforce solution that agriculture needs. The bill includes provisions to increase access to the federal H-2A visa program and stabilize wages for Florida growers – changes that are desperately needed to ensure a stable, legal workforce for the industry. Congressional action is urgently needed now, and we appreciate Rep. Salazar’s leadership on this important issue." – Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner
"The introduction of a comprehensive bipartisan bill that modernizes our immigration system is a heartening sign in this divided and ultra-partisan era. This is an important first step, a restart of the conversation that must happen in order for our country’s immigration laws to meet the needs of a 21st century economy. AILA is pleased that these two leaders are tackling the issue of legalization -- a necessary and vital component of any immigration reform effort that has been left out due to the focus on the Southern border. AILA doesn’t agree with everything in this bill but looks forward to working with these leaders to find a smart workable compromise." – American Immigration Lawyers Association
"It’s encouraging to see Republicans and Democrats working together on immigration reforms, especially given recent partisanship. Americans across political lines want these kinds of solutions. Congresswomen Salazar and Escobar are right to seek middle ground. This appears to be a worthy effort to address the border, workforce issues, Dreamers, and undocumented immigrants. While some provisions may have room for improvement, this is a very productive step." – President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum Jennie Murray
"We applaud Congresswomen Salazar and Escobar for leading this bipartisan group to heed the call of families across the country who understand the need for Congress to move past the toxic, enforcement-only anti-immigrant agenda blocking any progress to actually fix our nation’s immigration system. This legislation has critical components that would improve our immigration system, providing needed, transformative changes to millions of lives, including modernizing our legal immigration system and a process for undocumented immigrants to adjust their status. While other provisions must be improved or refined before passage, this effort should serve as a launching point to help restore common sense into the conversation and help Congress reengage constructively on this issue. We look forward to continue working with any policymaker willing to have a frank and open discussion about the facts, as we know it will lead to the inevitable conclusion that having a functioning and humane legal immigration system is not something to tolerate, but rather something we must embrace for the good of our country." – FWD.us President Todd Schulte
"The last time Congress overhauled our immigration system – in 1986 and 1990 – the internet was not yet a thing and the proliferation of smartphones was a decade off. It’s long overdue for our leaders in Congress to address what all agree is a broken system that only Congress can truly fix. That is why we applaud the bipartisan effort by Florida Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Texas Democrat Rep. Veronica Escobar to step up as partners on a much-needed bill to bring our outdated immigration system into line with our values and our interests. The bill would put undocumented immigrants on paths to recognition as the Americans they already are, modernize our legal immigration system and reform and resource our asylum and refugee system. While we are still studying the details and reserve our full support until we have completed that process, the direction, the sponsors and the elements inspire confidence.We look forward to working with the champions and co-sponsors of this legislation to press Congress to step up and do what only it can do: create immigration laws that work. The fact is that America at its best is a nation that welcomes immigrants and a nation that does so in an orderly, fair and humane manner." – Immigration Hub Deputy Director Kerri Talbot
"Catholic Charities USA commends the efforts of Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) to put forth a bipartisan proposal for comprehensive reforms of our nation’s broken immigration system. We continue to urge Congress and the administration to work together in good faith to craft meaningful, humane solutions that uphold the fundamental right to seek asylum, expand lawful pathways to the U.S., and enhance our country’s ability to control its borders. Current U.S. immigration policies are unsustainable, and the much-needed reforms to this system must be rooted in a commitment to human dignity and the common good." – Catholic Charities USA
"Unlike recent House bills that are designed for political fundraising and messaging, the Dignity Act is a serious effort at genuine reform that recognizes that increasing real border security cannot be accomplished without modernizing the process for legal immigration. Any Member of Congress who is actually interested in good faith efforts to address illegal immigration and put the good of the country ahead of partisan interests should at least join in this broader legislative effort." – Hispanic Leadership Fund President Mario H. Lopez
"Legislative reforms to the entire U.S. immigration system are long overdue, but the only path toward broad, durable reforms is through bipartisan cooperation. I’m thankful to Rep. Salazar, Rep. Escobar and the other original cosponsors of this bill for doing the hard work of forging consensus across the partisan lines that for decades have stymied real reforms from passing into law. Consistent with the biblical conviction that all human beings are made in the image of God with inherent dignity and potential, the Dignity Act would allow undocumented immigrants to earn permanent legal status and eventual citizenship if they pay a fine and meet other requirements. I pray that both Republicans and Democrats in Congress will come to the negotiation table to finally realize reforms that both secure our borders and show compassion to immigrants." – World Relief President & CEO Myal Greene
"On behalf of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), I want to thank you for your leadership with the introduction of the Dignity Act of 2023. This bill would, among other things, provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers, individuals with Temporary Protected Status and undocumented immigrants, update the legal immigration process and provide the resources needed to secure our borders. We understand the need to couple border security with legal immigration reform and support efforts to address both challenges and look forward to working with you to advance this critical legislation." – American Seniors Housing Association President & CEO David Schless
"We applaud this significant bipartisan effort led by @RepEscobar and @RepMariaSalazar. We need solutions-driven approaches to modernize our #immigration system & make it possible for migrants to come legally, join family, & work. We need long-term solutions for DACA and TPS recipients & undocumented people with deep roots in our country, which majority of Americans support. This is a positive move on an issue where many in the GOP have chosen to block solutions, & deserves Congress’ serious consideration." – UnidosUS
"We applaud Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla) and Veronica Escobar (D-Texas) for introducing substantive bipartisan legislation to modernize our immigration system through critical reforms and compromise. The 500+ page bill addresses many of the legislative principles outlined by the Presidents’ Alliance at the beginning of the last Congress. This bipartisan approach would strengthen our economy and enable undocumented students, DACA recipients, and TPS holders, to flourish as full participants and contributors to communities and our nation. The language closely mirrors the language of the Dream and Promise Act. The Presidents’ Alliance is fully committed to achieving a legislative solution for our Dreamers who are integral members of our campuses and communities. – Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration Miriam Feldblum
"PCCA members work every day to close the digital divide and strengthen America's power grid, but we desperately need workers to finish the job. The Dignity Act is a well-balanced, common-sense approach that addresses all the immigration challenges. It tackles the workforce issue while also investing billions in border security measures, overhauling our failed asylum processes, and improving the legal immigration system. Moving immigration reform in our current political climate is certainly a daunting task, and I commend Rep. Salazar and Rep. Escobar for their courage and resolve. PCCA members have their back on this issue and pledge to support them throughout the legislative process because we know it's right for our industry, it's fair to law-abiding immigrants, and it's good for America." – Power & Communication Contractors Association Chairman Ed Campbell
"We are thrilled to see the inclusion of the American Families United Act in The Dignity Act of 2023. This provision provides hope and relief to countless U.S. citizens who have been living in uncertainty, facing barriers in keeping their families together, or who have already faces separation from their spouse. We commend Congresswomen Escobar and Salazar for their commitment to compassion and their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of American families." – President of American Families United Ashley DeAzevedo
"Improve The Dream applauds this bipartisan effort, which is a step forward in solving problems in our system which prevent long term immigrants from fully contributing to our country. In particular, thousands of families in the green card backlog and others on long term visas would be afforded light at the end of the tunnel. Hundreds of thousands of young people who have grown up in the country would also receive permanency. We appreciate Congresswoman Salazar, Escobar, and all members willing to work together to find solutions that allow our country to become more prosperous." – Improve the Dream Founder Dip Patel
"I am beyond encouraged by the measures proposed by Reps. Escobar and Salazar in the Dignity Act. In particular, cutting the backlogs and reforming worker visas is critical to our nation’s economy. Immigrants make up a significant portion of critical American industries - in agriculture specifically, they account for 73% of workers. Meanwhile, sectors of the industry have been experiencing labor shortages for decades. This act is a giant step forward, and showcases the power of being able to reach across the aisle. Because of their ability to coalesce, Reps. Escobar and Salazar have brought forth once-in-a-generation immigration reform. I am delighted to see Latinas in Congress leading the charge. If passed, we will begin to lift the economic pressure of a broken immigration system.” – President and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Business Council Javier Palomarez
"The National Association of Landscape Professionals commends Representative Salazar (FL-27) and Escobar (TX-16) for introducing the Dignity Act which demonstrates their leadership on immigration reform and also the need to address our nations labor crisis by reimplementing the returning worker exception for the H-2B program to alleviate the dramatic increase in demand on the woefully unrepresentative and arbitrary 66,000 cap. The returning worker exemption is a tried-and-true smart policy that exempts those returning workers from the 66,000 cap. Many H-2B workers choose to return to the same employer year after year because of the positive experience and being treated as integral members of the employers organization. These returning workers assist landscape companies in addressing peak seasonal needs which in turn also benefits the growth of their business, their domestic workforce and their customers. As the nation struggles through the worst labor crisis in decades seasonal businesses, like the landscape industry, will be decimated without supplementing our domestic workforce with much needed returning guest workers. Thank you Representatives Salazar and Escobar and the other original co-sponsors Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (PR), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) for your leadership on proposing the Dignity Act that would finally address bipartisan solutions to immigration reform and our strained labor force by updating H-2B and other guest worker programs." – National Association of Landscape Professionals
"For too long, immigration reform and border security have been pitted against one another. That shouldn’t be the case. This proposal provides a framework that encompasses both of those perspectives and, more importantly, starts from the position of affirming the inherent dignity and worth of each and every individual. This issue is too important to be sidelined by partisan politics. I am hopeful that what Congresswoman Salazar, Congresswoman Escobar, and other bipartisan cosponsors have put forth here signals the beginning of a concentrated effort to reform our broken immigration system." – Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention President Brent Leatherwood
"Harsh state laws — including in my own state of Florida — are making life increasingly difficult for our undocumented neighbors, including many sisters and brothers in Christ. The need for federal legislation to finally allow the undocumented to earn permanent legal status and, eventually, citizenship is more dire than ever, and the only way that can happen is through bipartisan congressional negotiation. I pray this bill’s introduction will bring us closer to those long overdue reforms." – National Latino Evangelical Coalition President Gabriel Salguero
"The DIGNITY Act recognizes the importance of facilitating legal immigration pathways while maintaining security… At BDV Solutions, we understand the urgent need for border security measures that do not compromise the integrity of our immigration system. The DIGNITY Act strikes a delicate balance by investing in technology, infrastructure, and personnel to bolster border security without resorting to ineffective solutions that only exacerbate the problem. By prioritizing the reduction of backlogs and increasing visa caps, the legislation demonstrates a commitment to fairness, family unity, and economic growth." – BDV Solutions General Counsel and COO Christopher Richardson
"We are grateful to Congresswoman Salazar for her continued effort to improve our national immigration system through the reintroduction of the Dignity Act. The lack of a stable and viable workforce is one of the greatest threats to our domestic food supply, and the reforms contained within the American Agricultural Dominance provision of this legislation represent a serious effort to solve this labor crisis. We look forward to continuing to work with Congresswoman Salazar and the Florida delegation to secure a long-term solution to this challenge." – Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb S. Smith
"On behalf of the National Retail Federation (NRF), I write to commend your bipartisan efforts to introduce the Dignity Act (H.R. 3599). NRF is pleased to support this legislation, which would significantly improve our nation’s immigration system. NRF has long maintained that immigration reforms are necessary to better accommodate employers’ workforce needs. The Dignity Act seeks to ensure the viability of legal immigration pathways while bolstering border security. Among its provisions are a requirement that the Department of Homeland Security to deploy physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, technology, and personnel at the Southern Border; legal stability for Dreamers; significant changes to the H-2B visa program; a new uncapped temporary worker visa program for current unauthorized farmworkers; and an exemption for spouses and minor children of lawful permanent residents from current family preference green card caps. NRF supports policies to enhance the efficiency and functionality of our nation’s currently outdated legal immigration system. The Dignity Act is a positive step toward such immigration reforms that are long overdue. NRF is pleased to see Republicans and Democrats working in good faith to ensure the viability of legal immigration pathways." – National Retail Federation (NRF) Vice President of Government Relations David French
"While there is no perfect solution, this legislation is aligned with TESOL's Position Statement on Comprehensive Immigration Reform and provides the avenues to protect the undocumented and improve our asylum system. Additionally, this legislation will allow dual intent for F1 nonimmigrant visa holders. TESOL will work with Rep. Salazar in addressing the needs of MLEs and other newcomers." – TESOL International Association
"While the Dignity Program isn’t likely to have much impact on the retraining of native-born workers, its offer of political compromise within immigration reform may serve as a model for future bipartisan legislation. By anticipating and attempting to address the perspective that immigration should supplement, not displace, native-born workers, the provision is more likely to garner the level of support needed to finally pass some form of comprehensive immigration reform." – American Action Forum
“I write today to thank you for your leadership in drafting H.R. 3599, the Dignity Act, and offer you the full and adamant support of the legislation from the Mason Contractors Association of America. We wanted to commend your commitment to finding solutions to these problems through the Dignity Act and its main provisions securing the border, offering a legal pathway to undocumented immigrants that have been in the country over 5 years, and establishing a robust re-training system for American workers. These pillars will offer an immediate influx of potential employees to our members and the construction industry and we look forward to working with you both to pass this legislation through Congress and get to the President’s desk.” – Mason Contractors Association of America President and CEO Jeff Buczkiewicz
“The United States needs to maximize this great foreign investment program especially now when economic policy challenges domestic growth. The Dignity Act can create more confidence in the government’s ability to administer the EB5 program with financial and technological improvements, and we could see a production infusion without the administrative delays that come from fee proposals.” – Behring Co Director of EB-5 Investment Platform and USCIS Compliance Greg Sheehan
MIAMI STAKEHOLDERS
"Millions of Latin American friends live in the shadows throughout the country, having fled suffocating economic conditions, gang violence, and, in recent years, those who have escaped socialist dictatorships where their most basic human rights have been violated. With the Dignity Act, a logical and permanent solution is provided to every honest person who has come to this country with a desire to contribute. The cause of freedom for Cuba has also had the support of hundreds of friends in our communities, with an irregular migratory situation, who will see a glimmer of hope in the Dignity Act." – Asamblea de la Resistencia
"We applaud Congresswoman Salazar for proposing a thoughtful and balanced solution to the immigration crisis which secures the border while also offering an earned pathway to citizenship for hardworking individuals with no criminal records. This bill includes strong provisions to stop the human traffickers and drug cartels, which must be part of any serious immigration policy. It also gives the undocumented an opportunity to come out of the shadows by earning their way to legal status while protecting American workers and industry. This is an excellent starting point for a real bipartisan discussion that is both sensible and compassionate and genuinely addresses all aspects of this difficult issue." – Christian Family Coalition (CFC) Florida Founder and Executive Director Anthony Verdugo
"Salazar delivers. She walks the talk. After so many years, we finally have a champion that fights for the invisible people that are living in this country for so many years and who deserve the opportunity to get an ID, work legally, and travel to see their family. We applaud Dignity Act. This will benefit thousands of people in Miami-Dade County that are living in the shadows and now will have the opportunity to live the American Dream. Thank you, Representative, in the name of so many that will benefit from your work!" – Hermanos de la Calle President Narciso Muñoz
“At National Community Services, we see firsthand the struggles of the undocumented immigrant community. From having a difficult time getting a work permit, suffering from missing a family member, or not being able to go home for their parent's funeral, we support the Dignity Act because millions of kind and humble migrants here in the U.S. will benefit from it. I applaud Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar for taking the lead in this critical issue, like immigration, and for being a tireless fighter for our Latin American community. We support the Dignity Act, and we support Rep. Salazar for always having our backs.” – National Community Services Founder and President Martha Hero
"Fundación Colombo Americanos Unidos and Family Builders USA Foundation support Dignity Act because it helps resolve the immigration crisis in a comprehensive way by protecting the border and legalizing millions of people that today live in the shadows." – Colombo Americanos Unidos President Alfred Santamaria
"At Americas Community Center, we are glad to see the Dignity Bill that is the perfect solution for our people and unlocks the gridlock that has been Congress to move forward. We support it and ask everyone to support Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar in moving it forward." – ACC Founder Fabio A. Andrade
"The Honduran Community commends Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar for introducing the Dignity Act and advocating for the forgotten Central American Community. Our immigration system is outdated, and this law will give a dignified life for so many humble people living in the shadows. The Dignity Act counts with all our support." – Fundación Olanchanos Unidos por Honduras USA President and Founder Rosmery Alonzo Roques
“Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar has been an advocate since day one of the Honduran Community in the United States. We see every day the problems our undocumented community goes through, and we are pleased the Dignity Act will fix those problems. If the Dignity Act becomes law, our hardworking people will have a shot at the American Dream, and we are looking forward to seeing all we represent triumph in this great country. The immigrant community is content with Congresswoman Salazar, and we support the Dignity Act to give legal status to many in our community.” – Organización Hondureña Integrada Francisco Morazan President Orlando Lopez
DIGNITY ACT GOOD READS
Dallas Morning News Editorial Board: “Our immigration system is no longer just broken and messy. It’s now dangerously dysfunctional, as Congress repeatedly proves the adage that if you aren’t part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem. Privately, lawmakers may agree that immigration policy isn’t working. But if they are truly serious about reform, then they should take a look at the bipartisan Dignity Act of 2023.” (‘Bipartisan immigration plan is reform we need’, 08/01/2023)
Warren Rojas, The Messenger: “Salazar, a two-term lawmaker, said Abbott’s activities are purely temporary and won’t provide any long-term fixes to curbing illegal border crossings. “The buoys the governor put in — you're just putting a patch on a wound that is bleeding profusely,” she said. A mother of two daughters and whose parents fled Cuba when Fidel Castro took power, Salazar said her bill takes a more holistic approach. “What I'm doing with my bill is, I'm sewing up the wound and healing it,” she said. “And that's what this country needs to do.” (‘Texas Border Battle Fires Up House Hispanic Leaders’, 07/03/2023)
The News Courier Editorial Board: “The Dignity Act, currently being discussed in Congress, is an opportunity for elected officials to come together and reform the mess they’ve made. The Dignity Act has bipartisan support. A representative from each party introduced the bill. They have added 10 co-sponsors equally split from each side of the aisle. As proposed, the act seeks to establish policies which secure our border while boosting legal immigration. It provides a path to citizenship for those individuals and families who entered illegally. It addresses the needs of employers dependent on migrant employees.” (‘Immigration reform, now’, 07/15/2023)
President and CEO of National Immigration Forum Jennie Murray: “Who will the leaders be today? Let’s start with signs of hope in the House: Recently, Republicans and Democrats have worked together to introduce the Dignity Act and reintroduce the Dream and Promise Act. These bills offer constructive solutions that represent American voter values and priorities: safety, order, human dignity, welcome and a stronger economy. And their spirit of real solutions is a breath of fresh air after 10 years of stagnation. A remarkable majority of Americans are ready to support leaders, from both parties, who bring solutions to the table. We need, and Americans support, solutions-focused leaders as much as ever.” (‘There’s reason for hope on immigration and border reforms’, 07/12/2023)
Rep. María Elvira Salazar and Libre Institute’s Cesar Grajales on the Dignity Act: “The reality is the grueling situation at the southern border is producing a humanitarian crisis beyond comprehension. Images of children crying in cages separated from their parents and human trafficking victims recounting their stories cannot be the first image the world has of the American Dream. The Dignity Act is our best shot at working across party lines to finally put an end to the madness of America’s immigration system.” (‘America deserves an immigration solution: the Dignity Act’, 07/09/2023)
Former Senior VP at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Bill Blazar: “There is hope. In May, U.S. Rep María Salazar, R-Fla., introduced legislation that addresses all the items listed above. Her Dignity Act has 11 original cosponsors: Five Republicans and six Democrats. None from Minnesota. These 12 representatives understand our economic engine. They know that immigration is the only timely and practical way to give it the people necessary for change and growth. They need help. Minnesota's congressional delegation should be all in. Our demographics and homegrown economy make immigration reform imperative. Our members are respected and hold House and Senate leadership positions. They have both reason and ability to put legislation like the Dignity Act on President Biden's desk now.” (‘Minnesota's future: Our biggest asset is people. Immigration reform is the timely way to build it’, 07/08/2023)
NewsNation’s Dignity Act analysis: “A bipartisan bill aimed at comprehensive immigration reform would revamp the nation’s border, streamline aslylum claims and create a new legal status, but getting the bill passed could be a massive undertaking. The nearly 500-page Dignity Act of 2023, introduced late last month by Reps. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, and Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Florida, outlines sweeping recommendations and changes to the U.S. immigration system. Already, it has garnered support from Republican and Democratic members of Congress.” (‘What’s in the Dignity Act, the bipartisan immigration bill?’, 06/13/2023)
The Boston Globe’s Marcela García: “That brings me to the Dignity Act and why we should pay attention to it… Escobar and Salazar came together to author a bill that represents the most sweeping effort presented in Congress to overhaul immigration in a decade. The 500-page Dignity Act would allocate significant resources to strengthen border security; create a 12-year pathway to citizenship at a $10,000 cost for undocumented residents; revise and modernize the asylum process; address longstanding visa backlogs; and expand work visas, among other provisions.” (Back to the future with an unlikely bipartisan immigration bill, 06/12/2023)
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation Head of Government Relations and former congressional candidate Karina Lipsman: “The Dignity Act is a sensible and Christian approach that upholds America's legacy as a beacon of refuge for those seeking a new life and opportunities. America is and always will be the greatest and freest country in the world. Elected officials should realize this and embrace those seeking a better life for their families (just like myself) by crafting policies that reflect America’s empathic spirit. I urge every member of Congress, Senator, and official in the administration to support this morally necessary legislation.” (‘A Complete Solution to America’s Immigration Problem’, 06/08/2023)
Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University Research Manager Josh T. Smith: “The combination of border security investments with new legal paths to earning citizenship will prove a policy success, even if they will not make for an easy political win. Immigration policy hasn’t seen major reform in decades. It’s a field in clear need of an update that remembers the human side of immigration without minimizing the importance of the rule of law. In that light, the package of policies in the Dignity Act is a step toward a calmer border and a better system.” (‘Immigration plan marries dignity with rule of law’, 06/06/2023)
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