In May, Representative Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan Dignity Act, and according to the congresswoman, the measure has gained significant traction in the House of Representatives.
The immigration bill has four core principles per the Salazar press release.
- Stopping illegal immigration; 2) Providing a dignified solution for undocumented immigrants living in America; (3) strengthening the American workforce and economy; and (4) ensuring the United States remains prosperous and competitive in the future.
Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX) is the main Democratic leader to co-sponsor the bill.
“Decades of congressional inaction on immigration law has real consequences, and the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes requires a bipartisan solution,” said Rep. Escobar. “I have seen the toll our broken immigration system has on federal personnel, local representatives, nonprofits, and the migrants themselves, and the need for a realistic, common-sense compromise could not be more urgent. These challenging times call for both compassion and action, and the Dignity Act of 2023 offers a bipartisan, meaningful approach that restores dignity to people who have tried to navigate a broken system for far too long.”
Moreover, Rep. Salazar believes the Dignity Act is gaining steam after more representatives from different states have joined the effort, as well as different groups such as “the business sector, immigration groups, the agricultural community, the faith community, educators, economic experts, community leaders, Ambassadors, and United States Senators.”
"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). Since then, Reps. John Duarte (R-CA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), and Susie Lee (D-NV) have joined.
It has been a very long time since the federal government passed any form of immigration reform, with 1986 the last time any major legislation made it to the President’s desk.
