Hollywood, Florida – Speaking before a politically engaged audience at CPAC Latino 2025, held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida, U.S. Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar laid out a detailed case for granting legal status to undocumented immigrants who have established deep roots within the United States. The Republican representative, whose coastal Miami-Dade district includes over 535,000 Hispanic or Latino constituents, articulated a vision for immigration reform that prioritizes contributions and adherence to community standards.
Advocating for the Dignity Act
Central to Congresswoman Salazar’s address was her proposed legislation, known as the “Dignity Act.” This bill, which she initially drafted and introduced in 2023 alongside Texas Democrat Rep. Veronica Escobar, is designed to create a structured pathway to legal status for a specific subset of the undocumented population. According to Salazar, the measure targets long-term undocumented immigrants who can demonstrate significant economic contributions to their communities, possess no criminal record, and are willing to pay restitution.
Salazar underscored the bill’s explicit condition that individuals receiving status under the Dignity Act would not be eligible for government assistance. This provision, she suggested, is critical to ensuring the program is perceived as a pathway earned through contribution and compliance, rather than an entitlement.
A Phased Approach to Reform
The Congresswoman, representing Florida’s 27th congressional district, emphasized that her proposed solution is part of a broader, phased approach to reforming the U.S. immigration system. She maintained that the imperative first step is to “seal the border,” asserting that securing the nation’s perimeter is a necessary prerequisite before comprehensively addressing the status of those already residing within the country’s borders. This stance aligns with a core principle often articulated by conservative policymakers on immigration.
Her call for securing the border did not, however, diminish her advocacy for a resolution for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. who meet specific criteria. Salazar presented the Dignity Act as a practical and compassionate approach to acknowledging the reality of individuals who have become integral parts of American society over many years, contributing economically and socially without legal recognition.
The Context of CPAC Latino 2025
Congresswoman Salazar’s remarks were delivered during CPAC Latino 2025, an event specifically tailored to engage Hispanic and Latino conservatives and discuss issues pertinent to these communities. The choice of this platform allowed Salazar to directly address an audience interested in conservative perspectives on policy challenges, including immigration. Her presentation of the Dignity Act within this context highlights efforts by some Republicans to find market-based, contributions-focused solutions to immigration complexities.
Her district, with its significant Hispanic and Latino population, provides a direct connection between the policy challenges she discusses and the constituents she represents. The demographics underscore the political and social relevance of immigration reform discussions for her electorate, positioning her as a key voice on this issue within the Republican party, particularly regarding its outreach to Hispanic voters.
Path Forward for the Legislation
Looking ahead, Congresswoman Salazar confirmed plans to reintroduce the Dignity Act legislation in June 2025. This indicates her continued commitment to the bill and her intention to push for its consideration in the upcoming legislative session. The reintroduction, particularly with bipartisan origins noted by the collaboration with Rep. Veronica Escobar, suggests an ongoing effort to bridge the partisan divide on immigration, albeit with a proposal structured around conservative principles of self-sufficiency and earned status.
The proposal faces significant hurdles in a divided Congress, where comprehensive immigration reform has proven elusive for decades. However, Salazar’s persistent advocacy and the bill’s focus on long-term residents with clean records and economic ties represent one potential avenue for finding common ground on a complex and contentious issue. Her address at CPAC Latino served to amplify this specific legislative approach within a key conservative forum.
