FROM THE OUTSIDE | Migration: Between What’s Possible and What’s Real

Por

José Carreño Figueras

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Publicado: 21/7/2025 · 2:42 p.m. MX | Actualizado: 21/7/2025 · 2:42 p.m. MX

Is now the right time for immigration reform in the United States?

For Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (a Republican from Florida) and Verónica Escobar (a Democrat from Texas), the opportunity is available—which is why they introduced the “Dignity Act,” supported by 22 other members of Congress, evenly divided between the two parties.

“Everything in life is about timing, and everything in politics is about timing,” Salazar said last week.

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She believes “this is the moment for something like this,” especially now that the border is “secured” and the budget to address undocumented migration and border security totals $150 billion.

“Now is the time for a national dialogue about what we’ll do with those who have been here for over five years. They are vital to the economy. They have no criminal records, and they are needed. So, dignity is the best solution—not a path to citizenship or amnesty. You know, just a way for them to stay, work, and pay taxes.”

The proposal also requires a payment of $7,000 ($1,000 annually for seven years) and 1% of their income during that time in exchange for the right to stay in the country—without citizenship or access to government aid programs.

The plan might even appear generous during a period when tough anti-immigration voices hold sway in policymaking under President Donald Trump, a leader who made immigration the focal point of his campaign.

It also comes at a time when Trump’s approval ratings are declining—mainly because immigration authorities have conducted raids that started under the guise of targeting criminals but have instead resulted in random arrests or abductions of legal residents and U.S. citizens by masked agents ignoring court orders.

Speaking to NBC, Salazar argued that the U.S. economy needs undocumented workers, especially in industries like hospitality, construction, and agriculture.

“Trump is an efficient leader. Trump is a common-sense person. This is the perfect solution to a problem that could hurt the economy,” Salazar insisted.

Immigration reform in the U.S. is a complex issue. It is politically sensitive, involving racial, religious, and—under Trump—national security concerns.

The proposal does not provide a path to U.S. citizenship, a politically sensitive topic for both immigration opponents—who see it as an unfair reward for breaking the law—and for immigrants, who work and pay taxes in a country where doing so should earn rights.

The bill does not satisfy many pro-legalization activists—and rightly so. But the “Dignity Act,” while far from perfect, is still much better than the current situation in the United States.

José Carreño Figueras