GOP Rep. Salazar Faces Backlash Over Immigration Reform Bill

Bipartisan 'Dignity Act' sparks fierce intraparty battle ahead of midterms

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fractured waves of muted red, white, and blue, conceptually representing the divisive political landscape around immigration reform.The battle over immigration reform exposes deep divisions within the Republican Party as the midterm elections approach.NYC Today

Republican U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida is facing intense criticism from within her own party over a bipartisan immigration reform bill she introduced. The 'Dignity Act' aims to secure the border while providing a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants, but some conservative lawmakers have condemned it as 'amnesty' and a 'betrayal' that could hurt Salazar's chances in the upcoming midterm elections.

Why it matters

Salazar's political survival may hinge on whether she can convince voters that her plan aligns with President Trump's agenda on immigration. The internal Republican furor over the bill highlights the party's continued struggle to find a unified approach on the divisive issue ahead of the crucial midterm elections.

The details

The Dignity Act would require undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years to pay $7,000 in restitution and back taxes in exchange for a new legal status, without providing a direct path to citizenship. While Salazar views this as a solution, some of her GOP colleagues have condemned the bill as 'amnesty' and a 'betrayal' of the party's base. Conservative lawmakers like Rep. Mike Collins and Rep. Brandon Gill have publicly criticized the bill, and talk show host Jesse Kelly has called for Salazar to be ousted in her next primary.

  • The bipartisan immigration reform bill was introduced by Rep. Salazar in April 2026.
  • The midterm elections are approaching in November 2026.

The players

Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar

A Republican U.S. Representative from Florida who introduced the bipartisan 'Dignity Act' immigration reform bill.

Rep. Mike Collins

A Republican U.S. Representative from Georgia who has condemned Salazar's 'Dignity Act' as 'just amnesty'.

Rep. Brandon Gill

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who has said the 'Dignity Act' is 'mass amnesty' and a 'terrible betrayal of our voters'.

Jesse Kelly

A conservative talk show host who has called for Salazar to be ousted in her next primary election.

Rep. Mike Lawler

A Republican U.S. Representative from New York who is a co-sponsor of the 'Dignity Act'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 'Dignity Act' is just amnesty. Throw it in the garbage.”

— Rep. Mike Collins, U.S. Representative, Georgia

“The 'Dignity Act' is mass amnesty and would constitute a terrible betrayal of our voters.”

— Rep. Brandon Gill, U.S. Representative, Texas

“There's nothing dignified about giving illegal aliens amnesty. The people whose dignity we should be concerned about are American citizens.”

— Rep. Brandon Gill, U.S. Representative, Texas

“The border was the biggest problem. President Trump ran and won on that issue. He said he would stop illegal immigration into the country. He has effectively done that. Secondarily, is to deal with the undocumented that are in this country. Get them out of the shadows.”

— Rep. Mike Lawler, U.S. Representative, New York

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This internal Republican battle over immigration reform highlights the party's continued struggle to find a unified approach on the divisive issue ahead of the crucial midterm elections. Salazar's political survival may depend on whether she can convince voters that her plan aligns with President Trump's agenda.