Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar from Florida's 27th district announced on Friday her intention to introduce a new bipartisan legislative initiative alongside Democrat Veronica Escobar of Texas's 16th district. The proposal aims to overhaul the U.S. immigration system in order to "restore order to the chaos" caused by recent immigration policies and to prevent the deportation of long-term resident workers.
"Even former President Trump has acknowledged what many have long understood: workers who have lived in this country for years and built their lives here are being deported," Salazar stated on her X account (formerly Twitter). "Our construction sites, hotels, and farms are already feeling the impact. It's time for a real solution," she added.
While Salazar did not disclose specific details of the proposal, she indicated that it would be introduced before the month's end, spearheaded by a bipartisan group of lawmakers seeking a comprehensive and realistic immigration reform.
Impact on Key Economic Sectors
This announcement comes at a time of heightened tension, marked by mass deportations, ICE raids on construction and agricultural sites, and growing concerns among economic sectors reliant on migrant labor. This new initiative adds to other efforts led by Salazar in Congress.
In April, the representative introduced the “TPS Act for Venezuela 2025,” a bipartisan bill aimed at granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to over 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. The measure, co-sponsored by Congressmen Darren Soto (Democrat, FL-09) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Democrat, FL-25), seeks to offer 18 months of renewable deportation protection and work authorization to eligible Venezuelans.
To qualify, applicants must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of the law's enactment, have no criminal record, and properly register with the Department of Homeland Security. "Law-abiding Venezuelans should not be sent back to a brutal dictatorship. This law gives them the chance to stay in the United States until Venezuela regains its freedom," Salazar affirmed, also voicing her support for opposition leaders Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado.
Call for Immediate Congressional Action
Salazar's announcement of a new bipartisan proposal comes as critical sectors of the economy—such as construction, agriculture, and tourism—are already experiencing labor shortages due to increased deportations. The congresswoman acknowledged the adverse effects of these policies on employers and communities.
"Help is on the way," she concluded, urging Congress to act swiftly and provide a lasting solution for the millions of migrants living and working in the United States.
FAQs on the New Bipartisan Immigration Proposal
What is the main goal of María Elvira Salazar's new immigration proposal?
The main goal of the proposal is to reform the U.S. immigration system to bring order to the chaos caused by recent policies and prevent the deportation of workers who have lived in the country for years.
Who is partnering with Salazar on this bipartisan initiative?
Democratic Congresswoman Veronica Escobar from Texas's 16th district is partnering with Salazar on this bipartisan legislative effort.
What other immigration-related legislation has Salazar introduced?
In April, Salazar introduced the “TPS Act for Venezuela 2025,” which is a bipartisan bill to provide Temporary Protected Status to over 600,000 Venezuelans currently in the U.S.