Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Hillary Scolton and Florida Republican Congresswoman Maria Salazar have jointly sponsored the bipartisan Dignity Act as a response to the current immigration crisis in the United States. The Act aims to address the economic, humanitarian, and national security challenges posed by immigration through a comprehensive and bipartisan approach.
Both Congresswomen recognize that immigration is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. They assert that Democrats need to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and work towards finding common ground with Republicans to develop effective solutions. The Dignity Act is seen as a bipartisan path forward in addressing border security, catch-and-release policies, expedited asylum processing, mandatory criminal background checks, prostitution prevention, and the implementation of year-round H-2A farm and ranch worker visas.
Congresswoman Salazar emphasizes the importance of securing the border as a means to provide dignity to individuals who have been contributing to the economy for more than five years. She highlights that the Dignity Act offers a bipartisan solution that aligns with the needs of both the business sector, which requires labor, and the imperative to address national security concerns.
The Dignity Act stands out among other bills and resolutions in Congress for its unique bipartisan support. It addresses key aspects of border security and ends catch-and-release through the establishment of humanitarian centers. These centers will facilitate expedited processing of asylum claims, ensuring due process while also preventing individuals from getting lost in the country or missing their court dates.
The Biden administration has already made some changes to immigration policies through executive orders, such as the repeal of the 'remain in Mexico' policy and the end of catch-and-release. However, the Dignity Act seeks to build on these changes and further mitigate the challenges posed by the immigration crisis.
While the Dignity Act has received bipartisan support, Congresswoman Scolton acknowledges that it is not a perfect bill. However, she highlights the importance of compromise and emphasizes the need to address the core issues affecting the country's immigration system.
Congresswoman Salazar addresses Republicans who desire a more conservative approach towards immigration, reassuring them that practical solutions are necessary to effectively solve the immigration crisis. She urges both parties to come together and recognize that the Dignity Act offers a viable solution, particularly in addressing catch-and-release and providing dignity to undocumented individuals without granting amnesty or citizenship.
Given that Michigan is also a border state, Congresswoman Scolton emphasizes that the broken immigration system affects not only border states but also every state and city across the country. She stresses the impact on families, businesses, and local law enforcement who bear the burden of federal immigration law enforcement.
The Dignity Act represents a significant step towards comprehensive immigration reform—an issue that has not been adequately addressed in decades. Both Congresswomen recognize the urgency to act and urge their colleagues to support the bipartisan effort to find practical solutions to the complex challenges of immigration.
