On Thursday, Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar announced her intention to reintroduce the Dignity Act, a proposed immigration reform aimed at providing a pathway to legalization for immigrants with no criminal history who have lived and worked in the United States for at least five years. In a video posted on her X account, Salazar stated that she has sent a letter to the Trump administration urging them to protect those who have been in the country for over five years, contributing to the economy without any criminal records, including those with American children, who have been paying taxes and working hard. "Leave them alone," she urged, referring to what she calls "the silent heroes doing the jobs nobody wants."
During her remarks, Salazar also advocated for the protection of Cubans with I-220A, as well as Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Cubans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). However, she did not address those who arrived under the Biden administration's humanitarian parole program, which was revoked last week by Trump. The proposal would affect very few Cubans, as those residing in the U.S. for at least five years have had the opportunity to regularize their status through the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for permanent residency after one year and a day in the country.
The congresswoman emphasized her commitment to reviving the Dignity Act, initially introduced in May 2023, which would offer immigrants a temporary legal status in exchange for paying taxes, contributing to a border security fund, and meeting good conduct requirements. This initiative seeks to secure the border, restore law and order in the immigration system, and propose a 10-year renewable legal status, with an optional additional five-year redemption pathway for permanent legalization, according to a statement from her office released on Tuesday.
The bill outlines several programs. Through the 10-year Dignity Program, undocumented immigrants will have the chance to work, gain legal status, pay restitution, and comply with the law. Participants must adhere to all federal and state laws, pass criminal background checks, work, and pay taxes. The Dignity Program provides work authorization and protection from deportation proceedings as long as conditions are met. Participants will pay $10,000 in restitution over the 10-year period, register with the Department of Homeland Security every two years, and maintain a good public standing.
Additionally, the Redemption Program is introduced, requiring completion of the 10-year Dignity Program. It offers a pathway for redemption and obtaining permanent legal status. Participants must learn English and American civics, and contribute to their local community through community service or an additional $5,000 restitution payment.
Salazar has repeatedly advocated for Cubans in the U.S. with I-220A, a measure granted to thousands of migrants without a definitive immigration status. She has urged for greater flexibility in these cases, encouraging the government to provide opportunities for them to regularize their status. "These Cubans have come seeking freedom and should not be sent back to the oppressive dictatorship," she emphasized.
No Humanitarian Parole
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began sending electronic notifications on Friday to migrants who entered the country under humanitarian parole, informing them they must leave the United States or face removal. The revocation of parole means that beneficiaries of this program must exit the U.S. before their permit expires or face deportation proceedings. This program, established by the Biden administration, allowed temporary entry for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, but has been terminated under the Trump administration, impacting over 532,000 individuals.
The termination notice of parole also revokes employment authorization based on parole. If migrants do not leave the U.S. before their parole expires, they will begin accruing illegal presence, which can affect future entry applications. Additionally, they may be subject to expedited removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Key Details about the Dignity Act and Its Implications
What is the main objective of the Dignity Act?
The primary goal of the Dignity Act is to offer undocumented immigrants a pathway to legal status, provided they meet certain criteria such as having no criminal record, paying taxes, and contributing to a border security fund.
Who qualifies for the Dignity Program?
Undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in the U.S. for at least five years, have no criminal records, and meet other program requirements, such as paying restitution and adhering to federal and state laws.
How does the Redemption Program differ from the Dignity Program?
The Redemption Program requires participants to complete the 10-year Dignity Program first. It offers an opportunity for permanent legal status and requires learning English, understanding American civics, and contributing to the community through service or additional restitution.