- Two leftist congresswomen introduce an illegal-alien amnesty bill.
- The bill is called “The Dignity Act,” claiming to address America’s immigration crisis.
Bill Claims
- Congresswomen Maria Salazar (Republican) and Veronica Escobar (Democrat) assert the bill will:
- Secure the southwest border.
- Deter illegal immigration.
- Provide a tough pathway to permanent legal status for undocumented immigrants.
Criticism of the Bill
- Critics label the bill as an amnesty.
- Concerns include:
- Stopping mass deportations.
- Allowing illegal-alien gang members to remain in the country.
- Surprising support from nine Republican co-sponsors.
Bill Details
- Salazar communicates the bill’s message in both English and Spanish.
- Key requirements:
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must gain operational control of the border.
- Mandates physical barriers, aligning with the Secure Fence Act.
- Employers must use E-Verify for employment eligibility.
- Reforms asylum process by:
- Ending catch and release.
- Creating three “humanitarian campuses” for awaiting asylum applicants.
- Allowing NGOs access to the campuses for assistance.
- Increased penalties for illegal border crossings, but still allows asylum applications through Ports of Entry.
“Dreamers” Provision
- Bill includes a program for Dreamers:
- Illegal immigrants brought as children can obtain conditional permanent resident status for 10 years.
- Dreamers must have been present in the U. S. since January 1, 2021, to qualify.
- Requirements for eventual permanent legal residency include education, work, or military service.
- Other undocumented individuals in the U. S. for 5 years or more may apply for the Dignity Program.
- Protections from removal for seven years if they comply with laws and pay taxes.
- Need to pay a fine and $7,000 in restitution.
General Concerns
- Critics argue the bill will lead to indefinite stays for most undocumented immigrants.
- Question of the bill aligning with American public desires is raised.
Amnesty Assertion
- Will Chamberlain critiques the bill, asserting it effectively allows for amnesty.
- Concerns expressed about provisions regarding gang membership eligibility.
- Salazar argues against Chamberlain's interpretation, emphasizing the need for actual convictions for gang membership.
Republican Co-Sponsors
- There are nine Republican co-sponsors with varying grades on the TNA Freedom Index:
- Don Bacon, Nebraska (47%)
- Gabe Evans, Colorado (no grade)
- Brian Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania (26%)
- Mike Kelly, Pennsylvania (58%)
- Young Kim, California (50%)
- Mike Lawler, New York (33%)
- Dan Newhouse, Washington (53%)
- Marlin Stutzman, Indiana (74%)
- David Valadao, California (47%)
- Salazar's grade is also 47%.
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