Republicans are currently experiencing a fallout after a tense debate over keeping the government funded. The latest debacle concerns the H-1B visa, and Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) believes that her Dignity Act can unite the party. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) however is now pushing back against the notion, warning that the Dignity Act provides amnesty for illegal immigrants.
In recent weeks, President-elect Donald Trump (R) and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Chairmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have sparked a national discussion surrounding the H-1B visa, a visa that allows United States employers to employ foreign workers for specialty occupations.
President-elect Trump backs the H-1B visa, telling the New York Post recently that he's always supported the visa. "I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program," he reportedly said.
However, some of the president-elect's supporters feel slighted, claiming that support for the visa is not "America First."
On social media, Rep. Salazar backed President-elect Trump, Musk, and Ramaswamy, adding that the United States needs to tackle country caps on immigration as well as green card backlogs. As an antidote to the issue, she posits that "the Dignity Act addresses these to increase American prosperity & competitiveness."
Former Rep. Gaetz quickly responded to social media post, sharing the admiration he has for Rep. Salazar, but noting that the Dignity Act has its concerns.
I have GREAT respect for Rep Salazar. She’s a smart, dedicated public servant who is a wonderful person.
She’s also correct about country caps, IMHO.
But the “Dignity Act” includes amnesty for illegal immigrants.
This is deeply unwise.
Let’s stop the invasion before… https://t.co/7FyNr8ndIh
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 29, 2024
"She’s a smart, dedicated public servant who is a wonderful person. She’s also correct about country caps, IMHO," he wrote on X. "But the “Dignity Act” includes amnesty for illegal immigrants. This is deeply unwise. Let’s stop the invasion before destroying the party over amnesty."
The Dignity Act also provides two pathways for eligible citizenship: Dignity Status or the "Redemption Program."
The former provides work authorization, legal permanent residency, and travel authorization. However, illegal immigrants who choose Dignity Status would be ineligible for citizenship.
The latter creates a pathway to citizenship for eligible illegal immigrants, which includes passing English and U.S. civics tests and community service or an additional $5,000 fine.
