In an effort to reform a system she describes as "archaic," Florida's Catholic representative, Maria Elvira Salazar, is intensifying her advocacy for a legislative overhaul of U.S. immigration laws. In an interview granted on March 11 to EWTN News, the Republican lawmaker emphasized the urgency of protecting individuals without legal status but with no criminal record, who have for years contributed to the national economy.
Dubbed the "Dignity Act," the bill HR 4393 proposes a middle path for the millions of people living in the shadows. This text, which as of March 11 had the support of 39 bipartisan cosponsors, does not offer a direct path to citizenship, but allows for obtaining legal status through work and the payment of financial penalties.
At the heart of this legislation is the "Dignity Program," intended for individuals who entered the territory illegally at least five years ago. To benefit from a temporary seven-year status, renewable in case of good conduct, applicants will have to pay $7,000 in restitution and contribute 1% of their salary to the government. The text specifies that beneficiaries will not be eligible for any public assistance or social benefits. While DACA beneficiaries, the "Dreamers," could access permanent legal status, citizenship remains excluded from the program for all participants.
Ms. Salazar's proposal does not neglect the security aspect. It provides funding for physical barriers and surveillance technology at the border, strengthens penalties for illegal crossings and asylum fraud, and mandates the "E-Verify" system for employers. The bill also envisions the creation of centers for asylum seekers, with the requirement to process cases within a 60-day period.
Facing criticism from some members of her own party who fear being accused of supporting an "amnesty," Representative Salazar rejects this term, emphasizing that her text imposes fines and does not grant citizenship. She calls for economic realism, recalling that many sectors such as construction, agriculture, and healthcare rely on a workforce that the domestic market cannot fill.
This initiative is receiving attentive consideration within the American episcopate. Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles described the plan as an "authentic and good-faith starting point," while acknowledging it is not perfect. For his part, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso and former chairman of the bishops' conference migration committee, sees in this law a step towards respecting the dignity of every person, answering the call of the Holy Father. Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver also welcomed a proposal that aims to "take care of the immigrants who have come to this country."
On an ecclesial level, María Elvira Salazar indicated that Pope Francis had received her book and that a private meeting with the Sovereign Pontiff was planned to discuss the migration issue. Calling the Holy Father the "ultimate authority of the Catholic Church," she confided feeling guided by the Holy Spirit in her legislative effort.
Finally, regarding the policy of the current administration, the lawmaker praised the border security measures taken by President Donald Trump, while expressing her concerns about the methods of deportations. She notably argued that efforts should focus on criminals rather than long-established workers. Inviting the faithful to pray for the president, she hoped the administration could reconcile firmness at the borders with the respect due to the human dignity of people integrated into American society.