Two House Latinas propose bipartisan immigration bill Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Democ

[applegrove]

Two House Latinas propose bipartisan immigration bill
Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar aim to break the stalemate around legislation in Congress.

May 23, 2023, 5:14 PM EDT
By Suzanne Gamboa

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/two-house-latinas-propose-bipartisan-immigration-bill-rcna85845

"SNIP........

Two Latina congresswomen proposed a bipartisan immigration bill Tuesday that would create a 12-year, two-part path to legal status and would require the border first be declared secure before anyone on the path is granted legal status.

The congresswomen, Rep. María Salazar, R-Fla., and Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, call their legislation “The Dignity Act.”

They said it would allow people in the country illegally to work and not be deported. It would also speed up the asylum process and detain asylum-seekers who arrive through the southern border at one of five “humanitarian campuses,” where they will stay until their case is decided. It also would dock the pay of people without permanent legal status to fund border infrastructure.

Salazar said the measure should not be confused with the amnesty law signed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1986. The bill has tougher measures and higher penalties than a Republican border security bill approved by the House on May 11.

..........SNIP"

[TexasBushwhacker]

1. It's a start

But
.
"It also would dock the pay of people without permanent legal status to fund border infrastructure."

What about holding the EMPLOYERS of the undocumented workers accountable for some of the border infrastructure. After all, people wouldn't be coming to the US if they couldn't get work.

[MichMan]

2. DeSantis proposed to fine the employers $10k and was universally condemned here for it.

https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=17907489


https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=17926673


https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=17933611

[TexasBushwhacker]

4. I was suggesting that it has to go both ways

It would be unfair to punish the undocumented workers if you aren't going to punish their employers as well.

I am pleased that at least 2 representatives are trying the work on it. No one ever said it would be easy, but historically, the US has ALWAYS looked to immigrants for labor, either as slaves or just poor people wishing for a better life than in their home country. The thing is, we don't have slavery anymore unless you count prison labor, and most of the immigrants now aren't white. There in lies the rub for the PB and their ilk.

[MichMan]

6. Going after employers always seemed to get a lot of support on DU

Just surprised when DeSantis did decide to go after employers to the tune of $10k, every reply to the multiple posts about it attacked him for doing so.

[MichMan]

3. I am having trouble understanding what happens when an asylum claim is denied ?

Like approx 70% are.

Specifically, some of the provisions in the Salazar-Escobar bill are:


— It allows people in the country for five years without legal status and with no criminal record to work and be protected from deportation for seven years through the "Dignity Program."

— Those in the "Dignity Program" will have a 1.5% "dignity levy" withheld from their paycheck, in addition to taxes they pay. They also will pay a fee of $5,000.

— Allow those who complete the Dignity Program to obtain "Dignity status," an additional five years to work and remain in the U.S. The status can be renewed indefinitely.

— Allow those who complete the Dignity Program to enter the five-year Redemption program, during which they learn English, U.S. civics, perform community service or pay another $5,000. If completed successfully, they earn legal permanent residency status, the stepping stone to citizenship. The bill calls for participants to go to the "back of the line."

— Speed up the asylum process to a total of 60 days.

If under the bill, people here without legal status get to stay and work for 7 years, and then if they get "Dignity Status" they are permitted to stay for another additional 5 years. What happens after 60 days if their asylum claim is denied by the courts? Asylum or no asylum, do they still get to stay legally either way regardless ?

[applegrove]

5. Well the border would have to be 90% secured before the dignity act

comes into play. So I think the numbers would be the same for a while until cameras, or whatever combination of capture/deterant technology, can be put up everywhere. Confusing.