Florida Republican Rep Co-Sponsors Bipartisan Bill Offering Legal Status to Certain Undocumented Immigrants

Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) is co-sponsoring new bipartisan immigration legislation in the House that would offer legal status to certain undocumented immigrants while balancing her support for the Trump administration's broader deportation operation.

Salazar introduced the Dignity Act of 2025 on Tuesday alongside Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas). The bill would allow undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. since before 2021 to apply for up to seven years of legal status with work authorization.

The measure includes requirements for restitution payments and regular check-ins with the Department of Homeland Security, but does not provide access to federal benefits or a path to citizenship, as NBC News explains.

"For 40 years, every president and Congress has looked the other way while millions have lived here illegally, many working in key industries that keep our economy running," Salazar said in a statement. "The Dignity Act offers a commonsense solution: certain undocumented immigrants can earn legal status — not citizenship — by working, paying taxes, and contributing to our country."

The proposal also includes border security enhancements and would mandate the use of E-Verify by employers nationwide. Salazar framed the legislation as a middle ground that avoids amnesty while recognizing economic dependence on undocumented labor. Escobar, in the meantime, shared an interview on Monday in which she provided insight into the Dignity Act:

The bill comes amid heightened immigration enforcement efforts by the Trump administration. Though President Trump recently indicated support for a temporary work authorization program for migrant laborers, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has continued workplace raids. A recent operation in Southern California led to over 200 arrests and confrontations with protesters.

Salazar has taken an active role in inspecting immigration enforcement practices. During the weekend she toured the detention facility commonly known as "Alligator Alcatraz" along with other federal and state lawmakers. Speaking on Fox News, she described the conditions as clean and "meeting the highest standards," but criticized authorities for not allowing detainees to speak freely.

"I asked them, 'How are they treating you?' And one of them said, pretty good. The other one said, ah, not so bad," she said. "But I really wanted to engage. They did not let me."

While Salazar emphasized facility amenities, including clean living spaces and access to religious materials, her account contrasted with that of Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones, who called the site "deeply disturbing" and accused officials of limiting oversight.