Rep. María Elvira Salazar participated in a press conference in Washington, D.C., to discuss the impact of current immigration laws on American families with mixed immigration status and to advocate for the DIGNITY Act (H.R. 4393). The event brought together representatives from American Families United (AFU), ABIC Action, industry groups, faith organizations, and individuals affected by these laws.
The press conference presented findings from “Collateral Damage: How Immigration Policy Harms U.S. Citizens in Mixed-Status Marriages,” which is based on the 2025 AFU National Survey of Mixed-Status Couples. This research is described as the first national study focused on how immigration policies affect U.S. citizens married to immigrants who lack a viable path to legal status. The survey shows that these families face emotional, financial, and medical difficulties, with some already separated due to deportation or detention.
Participants at the event highlighted the real-life consequences of existing policies and called for legislative action. The DIGNITY Act has gained over 35 cosponsors in Congress and more than 65 endorsements from various organizations.
“Behind every statistic is an American family being torn apart by a broken system. U.S. citizens in mixed-status families go to bed in fear that tomorrow they may be separated from their spouse, or that their children could lose the presence of a parent,” said Rep. María Elvira Salazar. “The DIGNITY Act puts American families first by giving DHS a clear, lawful way to keep families together. It restores order and legality to our immigration system and ends the cycle of uncertainty that keeps families apart, offering a real, lasting solution grounded in dignity.”
Amanda Ribeiro, a public health nurse whose husband was deported to Brazil in 2025, shared her experience: “When my husband was deported, I lost everything: our business, our income, our home, and most importantly, our family together,” said Ribeiro. “I can’t make sense of why my country, America, would want to separate my family. Who wins with my broken family living a continent apart?”
Ashley DeAzevedo of AFU Action noted: “Despite their numbers, mixed-status couples remain one of the most invisible and least understood groups in the immigration debate,” said Ashley DeAzevedo, Executive Director of AFU Action. “As a result, American citizens and their children are left feeling isolated and overlooked, while policymakers lack the information they need to understand the real human consequences of our laws. I hope this report helps elected leaders at all levels of government understand the real cost of inaction.”
Rebecca Shi from ABIC Action emphasized support from business leaders across multiple sectors for work permits for long-term undocumented immigrant workers: “Today, Congress stands at a pivotal crossroads, with the opportunity to break the longstanding cycle of inaction on immigration,” said Rebecca Shi, CEO of American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action). “Every day, I hear from business leaders—employers from every sector and region, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, and healthcare—who are united in their call for work permits for long-term, law-abiding, tax-paying undocumented immigrant workers. Our businesses and communities depend on practical solutions that allow these workers and their families to continue driving our economy forward. The bipartisan Dignity Act offers a clear and workable path that supports employers, strengthens our workforce, and reflects the values of our nation. We thank Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar for leading this bipartisan solution, and we urge Congress and the Trump administration to move forward to secure our workforce and our economy. Americans are demanding leadership and results.”
Industry representatives echoed these concerns about workforce needs alongside border security measures.
“It is imperative now, given what is happening within our industry and many others, that Congress redouble its efforts to move forward and pass legislation on this issue,” said Duane Musser of the National Roofing Contractors Association.”We want to reiterate our support for the Dignity Act. This legislation really balances our needs for further strengthened border security as well as dealing with the workforce issues.”
Faith-based organizations also highlighted how enforcement actions have affected immigrant communities.
“We bring together forty evangelical denominations and hundreds of other churches…many of which are only growing—and significantly growing—because of vibrant immigrant communities,” said Rylee Lacy from the National Association of Evangelicals.”We know that right now many of them are hurting.They’re living in fear.They’re afraid to gather together to worship because of the impact of aggressive enforcement and deportation operations.While the majority of evangelical Christians do support the deportation of violent criminals , very few say the same about immigrants who have U.S.citizen children or spouses.”
Speakers urged lawmakers to pass comprehensive reforms like those outlined in the DIGNITY Act.The proposed legislation would create legal pathways for spouses without documentation married to U.S.citizens , aiming to keep families unified while imposing strict eligibility requirements . According to AFU , more than 2 .6 million Americans live in mixed – status households . The DIGNITY Act seeks stability , certainty ,and legal clarity for these families .
Additional resources—including full reports , summaries ,and legislative text —are available through the AFU website .