María Elvira Advocates for Undocumented Immigrants Without Criminal Records: "The Innocent Shouldn't Suffer for the Guilty"

Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, a Cuban-American representative, has voiced her support for undocumented immigrants without criminal records in the United States, emphasizing that they should not face penalties due to the actions of those who break the law. In a recent statement shared on her social media account, the Florida Republican highlighted her endorsement of former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. She pointed out that the current administration is attempting to rectify what happened over the past four years, referring to the nearly 10 million individuals who crossed the border during former President Joe Biden's tenure from 2021 to 2025.

Addressing this issue, Salazar acknowledged that both migrants seeking a better life and those violating laws are part of the equation. She remarked that "it's true that the innocent will suffer for the guilty, and the innocent shouldn't have to pay the price." Salazar positions herself as one of the few voices in Congress advocating for immigration reform in the U.S.

Advocating for Compassionate Immigration Policies

In her role, Salazar has been a proponent of proposals aimed at regularizing the status of law-abiding undocumented immigrants while simultaneously advocating for stricter border policies to curb illegal immigration. "I have sent a letter to the administration (Trump) urging caution with Cubans holding I-220A, as well as Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). We must be careful with those who have been contributing to the economy for over five years, who have no criminal record, who have American children, who have been paying taxes, and are working to support the economy. They should not be targeted," she declared.

The congresswoman further criticized the previous administration, suggesting that "we must understand that the past four years brought about these storms, which should never have occurred because four years ago, there was talk of Dreamers, DACA children, parents, TPS, and all of this was supposed to be resolved. But then came the border problem, a deluge, which overshadowed what was truly important."

Reforming Immigration for Law-Abiding Residents

Recently, Salazar announced her intention to revisit legislation she introduced in May 2023, known as the "Dignity Act," a proposed immigration reform aimed at providing a path to legalization for immigrants without criminal records who have lived and worked in the U.S. for at least five years. This initiative, according to Salazar, would grant these immigrants temporary legal status in exchange for paying taxes, contributing to a border security fund, and adhering to good conduct requirements.

"We must find realistic and humane solutions for those who have contributed to our economy and society without breaking the law. We cannot lump everyone together," she emphasized, urging Congress to take swift action to reform the immigration system.

Defending Cuban Migrants with I-220A

Salazar has also advocated for Cubans in the U.S. with I-220A, a measure granted to thousands of migrants without a definitive immigration status. She has called for these cases to be considered more leniently, urging the government to offer them a chance to regularize their status. "These Cubans have come seeking freedom and should not be sent back to the oppressive regime they fled," she stressed.

Despite her efforts, Salazar has faced criticism from within and outside the Cuban community. She has been questioned for her lack of a strong response to the threat of deportation faced by thousands of Cubans with I-220A, sparking debate about her true commitment to the immigrant community. Affected Cubans have voiced their dissatisfaction with Salazar through social media and media outlets, with some directly asking, "María Elvira, will you allow us to be deported?" demanding a stronger stance in defense of their situation.

Trump Administration's Hardline Stance

Others have questioned whether her actions are genuinely in the interest of the Cuban community or if they are politically motivated. Salazar's viewpoint contrasts with the Trump administration's policies, which recently reiterated its commitment to enforcing stricter measures against undocumented immigrants. The Trump team has made it clear that "all illegal immigrants will be prioritized for deportation," creating uncertainty for thousands without a defined immigration status in the U.S.

Moreover, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that individuals become "criminals by definition" when they enter the United States illegally. In line with this, the Trump administration announced a suspension of permanent residency applications for certain migrants, further complicating the situation for those seeking to regularize their status.

These policies have intensified the national immigration debate, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform that distinguishes between immigrants with criminal records and those who positively contribute to society.