Florida Rep. Maria Salazar Seeks Pope's Backing for Controversial Labor Bill
Rep. Maria Salazar announced she presented her “Dignidad” immigration bill to Pope Leo XIV, arguing it would help the U.S. economy while critics say it creates a low-wage migrant class.
Florida Republican Rep. Maria Salazar used her X account to claim she met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and handed him a copy of her “Dignidad” immigration legislation. She framed the bill as a humane approach that secures borders while offering legal status to undocumented migrants, arguing it would supply low-cost workers for sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, health care and manufacturing. The proposal creates a two-tier system, granting a subsidiary status to millions of migrants and promising cheaper consumer goods for Americans.
Salazar pointed to support from the National Association of Manufacturers and highlighted the need for affordable produce. Opponents argue there is no papal endorsement and that the measure could stifle investment in automation, like fruit-picking robots, while perpetuating economic inequality. The Pope’s recent comments to the Spanish parliament stressed the dual goals of welcoming migrants and addressing the root causes of migration, but did not specifically address Salazar’s bill.
Why it matters
The story shows how U.S. immigration policy is being linked to religious influence and debates over cheap labor versus worker rights.
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