U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) convened a roundtable in Miami with religious leaders, veterans, and community organizations to discuss current immigration challenges and highlight the increasing bipartisan support for the Dignity Act of 2025.
Participants discussed how immigration affects various sectors of the economy and daily life, including small businesses, agriculture, construction, healthcare, and education. Local churches have seen declining attendance, service organizations are facing higher demand, and industries are struggling with ongoing labor shortages.
Salazar emphasized the urgency of reform. “The United States was built on faith, family, and freedom. But right now, too many of our neighbors are afraid to go to work or send their children to school. This crisis is not theoretical; it is experienced every day in our schools, hospitals, farms, and businesses,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Every sector of our economy depends on immigrants, and when they live in fear, our entire community suffers. That is why I brought everyone together today—to face this reality and find solutions.”
Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami expressed appreciation for bipartisan cooperation on immigration: “At a time when examples of bipartisan cooperation seem increasingly rare—especially regarding immigration—I am deeply grateful to Congresswoman Salazar, Congresswoman Escobar and their colleagues for this sustained commitment to working together across party differences. Bipartisan collaboration is not only possible; it is absolutely necessary. The Dignity Act is a step in the right direction—one that must begin and end with respect for the God-given dignity of every person.”
JC Gómez, Commander of American Legion Post 98 in Coral Gables stated: “I am proud to join in supporting the National Commander of the American Legion’s endorsement of the Dignity Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation reflects values we uphold by ensuring border security, modernizing legal immigration systems and addressing current challenges with a strong commitment to national security. At the same time I recognize that some members have different views on this issue—that diversity strengthens our organization as we remain united in safeguarding America and defending principles of law, justice and service.”
Stephanie Torres from The LIBRE Initiative noted: “The Dignity Act represents a bold and important bipartisan step toward restoring both order and dignity in our immigration system—a system that has long lagged behind our country’s needs as well as families’ hopes who pursue the American Dream. By strengthening border security while improving legal pathways this legislation addresses key aspects of our broken outdated system.”
After the roundtable discussion Salazar held a press conference stressing urgent need for reform.
The Dignity Act of 2025—introduced by Salazar—is currently described as Congress’s only serious bipartisan proposal on immigration reform. The bill aims to strengthen border security measures while enforcing rule-of-law policies; it also offers what supporters call realistic solutions for millions living undocumented but contributing within U.S society without granting amnesty.
