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Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Can a Lawmaker Be Fully MAGA and Still Push for Immigration Reform?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. For decades, immigration has been among the thorniest issues in American legislative politics, often falling victim to gridlock and partisan fighting. But Representative Maria Elvira Salazar says the moment to fix the system has finally arrived — and she believes Republicans now have a historic opportunity to lead a new charge on bipartisan immigration reform that American voters have been demanding for decades. "The GOP has a historic opportunity to fix the immigration system after 40 years of it being broken," Salazar, a Cuban-American Republican from Florida, told Newsweek in an exclusive interview. The Dignity Act of 2025, which Salazar introduced alongside Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar, comes as Hispanic voters express growing frustration with the GOP and with President Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement, fueled by anger over mass deportations and workplace raids. A CBS News/YouGov poll this month found Hispanic support for Trump had fallen from nearly 50 percent to about one-third, with 63 percent saying his immigration policies are "too tough" and 64 percent believing Hispanics are unfairly singled out in enforcement efforts. Against that backdrop, Salazar told Newsweek the bill offers a middle ground — aiming to replace fear in immigrant communities with stability while preserving Republicans' long-standing credibility on enforcement. "Since I come from the Hispanic community, and my district understands very well what this topic is about, I found something that is right in the middle, that can satisfy both sides of the aisle — and that's called dignity." Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol April 10, 2024. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol April 10, 2024. Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images No More 'Catch and Release' For years, Republicans have decried what they saw as loopholes in and abuses of the asylum system, as well as inconsistent enforcement. Salazar argued that addressing those issues head-on is essential to fixing the broader immigration picture. "The legal immigration system needs to address 'catch and release' and the asylum system, which has been gamed for decades because there are no other routes to come to this country," she told Newsweek. "If we fix that — stop catch and release, stop gaming the asylum system, and give dignity to those already here, who work and have no criminal record — then we can fix all sides at the same time." The bill's provisions are also crafted with the economy in mind. Agriculture, hospitality, and construction — three sectors heavily reliant on immigrant labor — have reported labor shortages and disruptions as immigration enforcement escalates. Salazar said those industries cannot function without undocumented workers who have been living in the United States for years. The badge of a Customs and Border Protection agent is seen as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 18, 2025 in New York City. The badge of a Customs and Border Protection agent is seen as they patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building on June 18, 2025 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images "What's possible right now is letting these people go home at night without fear, not being deported, and continuing to contribute to the economy," she said. The Dignity Act offers a compromise: enhanced border security and mandatory E-Verify paired with a seven-year renewable legal status — but not citizenship — for undocumented immigrants who arrived before 2021, provided they pay restitution and comply with DHS monitoring. However, critics of the bill, particularly immigrant advocacy groups and some Democrats, have argued that by denying citizenship, it effectively consigns millions of people to permanent second-class status. Salazar rejected that characterization. "If you talk to millions of those facing deportation after years here, they would say: 'Of course, give me a solution.'" The bill also overhauls the byzantine asylum process, strengthens ports of entry and provides protections for Dreamers while explicitly excluding federal benefits for participants. Hard to Convince But inside her own party, Salazar faces strong resistance. Hardliners like Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and architect of some of the administration's toughest immigration policies, continue to advocate for mass deportations and minimal concessions. Salazar acknowledged that some Republicans view any legal status for those already in the country illegally as unacceptable, but she said the political and economic costs of inaction are growing. "Everything in life is timing," she told Newsweek. "Now that the southern border has been secured and the disaster of the last administration has been stopped — now is the time to look inward and fix other problems within immigration." White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to press outside of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. He has suggested that Americans are owed reparations for the impacts of... White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to press outside of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. He has suggested that Americans are owed reparations for the impacts of mass migration. MoreYet, as in previous attempts at reform, critics have likened the plan to Ronald Reagan's 1986 immigration law, which granted amnesty to millions. Salazar said her bill does not amount to amnesty by another name. "Opposition is welcomed — this is democracy. We're not in a dictatorship. But at the end of the day, Republicans need to find a solution to a problem that's been here for 40 years," she said. "The reality is that these workers are needed, industries must function, and Americans need food, construction, and hospitality to continue as they are now." At the center of her pitch is an appeal to the president himself. Despite his administration's deportations and aggressive rhetoric on immigrants, Salazar believes that Trump would be open to back her plan. "The president is an intelligent man. He's a construction guy with golf courses. He will sign 'Dignity' and be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism." The president has not commented on the Dignity Act, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was noncommittal when asked if Trump would veto it. "From my understanding, the White House nor the president has actually read through this legislation," Leavitt said, adding that Trump was busy with the flurry of legislation moving through Congress before the summer recess, such as the GENIUS Act and the rescissions package. "But the president has made it very clear he will not support amnesty for illegal aliens in any way," she added. Full Interview with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar Q: Why are you leading on this bill? What personally or politically motivated you to champion the Dignity Act? Because it's the right thing to do for the economy of this country. The GOP has a historic opportunity to fix the immigration system after 40 years of it being broken. Since I come from the Hispanic community, and my district understands very well what this topic is about, I found something that is right in the middle, that can satisfy both sides of the aisle — and that's called dignity. Q: What do you think needs fixing right now in the legal immigration system beyond addressing undocumented immigrants? What do you see as the biggest problems that need reform? The legal immigration system needs to address "catch and release" and the asylum system, which has been gamed for decades because there are no other routes to come to this country. If we fix that — stop catch and release, stop gaming the asylum system, and give dignity to those already here, who work and have no criminal record — then we can fix all sides at the same time. And we've also allocated funds to secure the border permanently. If resources are placed correctly, we won't have mass illegal immigration anymore. Q: Why is bipartisan support necessary on immigration? What lessons have you learned from past failed efforts? Every important law — especially something so socially ingrained as immigration — needs Democrats on board. I believe the Democratic Party understands it's time to fix the problem. That's why we have a very important co-sponsor, Veronica Escobar, who joined us on the Dignity Act. It's a significant bipartisan legislative push. Q: How do you convince your fellow Republicans to back this? Immigration is a big topic on President Trump's agenda, and past immigration bills haven't moved forward. What's your strategy? Everything in life is timing. Now that the southern border has been secured and the disaster of the last administration has been stopped — now is the time to look inward and fix other problems within immigration. Border security and immigration are two different issues. Since the border has been sealed and illegal crossings are at record lows, now we can focus on immigration. Q: Why focus on worker protections rather than broader reform? Your bill highlights economic stability and protecting industries like agriculture. Why take this narrower focus instead of pushing for comprehensive reform Because it's the art of the possible. America's business is business. We want to create economic security and not disrupt the food chain, construction, or hospitality — industries that touch the lives of millions of Americans. If we were to deport or disrupt those three industries, the average American would feel it. The economy needs these workers who are already here. We might as well bring them out of the shadows, give them dignity, have them pay a fine and 1% of their salary every year. Everyone benefits. Q: There's also a significant opposition within the Republican Party and American society to these kinds of policies. What kind of opposition have you faced, and how do you convince people this isn't like the amnesty under Ronald Reagan in 1986? Opposition is welcomed — this is democracy. We're not in a dictatorship. But at the end of the day, Republicans need to find a solution to a problem that's been here for 40 years. It's our job as legislators. Opposition may exist, but the reality is that these workers are needed, industries must function, and Americans need food, construction, and hospitality to continue as they are now. Q: Some critics say the Dignity Act creates a permanent underclass — a group of workers without full rights of citizenship. How do you respond to those concerns? It's the art of the possible. What's possible right now is letting these people go home at night without fear, not being deported, and continuing to contribute to the economy. If you talk to millions of those facing deportation after years here, they would say: "Of course, give me dignity." Q: Recent polls show Hispanic support for President Trump has declined somewhat due to immigration procedures in the past months. From your perspective, what do you think about those efforts, and what could the administration do better? Sign the Dignity Act. The president is an intelligent man. He's a construction guy with golf courses. He will sign Dignity and be for immigration what Lincoln was for slavery and Reagan was for communism. Q: And if this fails, what's next for you? Will you keep pushing? I'm not going to fail. Just watch.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Ana de Armas dating? A look at her love life over the years
Ana de Armas' video message to the Jacksonville Jaguars ignited excitement and debate (Getty Images) When fans wonder whether Ana de Armas is currently dating someone, the answer is technically straightforward: she's officially single, but the reality comes with a side of intrigue. While Ana isn't publicly tied to anyone at the moment, recent sightings and cozy appearances alongside Tom Cruise have set the internet ablaze with speculation. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both stars insist it's all about work... for now. Add that to her history of high-profile relationships, and it's easy to see why every new interaction sparks fresh gossip. In short: she's single, but Hollywood's rumor mill is working overtime. Early love chapters Marc Clotet (2010–2013): Ana's first real public relationship. They married in 2011 in Spain, but by early 2013, the union ended amicably. David Victori (2013–2014): A brief relationship with the Spanish screenwriter/ director after her divorce. Kept mostly quiet. Franklin Latt (2015–2016): Private but serious—Ana was reportedly engaged to the talent agent. They split without fanfare. Alejandro Piñeiro Bello (2017–2019): A quieter romance with the Cuban artist and photographer, spanning a couple years. (as per PageSix) The big Hollywood breakup: Ben Affleck (2020–2021) Ana met Ben Affleck on the set of Deep Water in late 2019. Sparks flew, and by March 2020 they were vacationing together in Cuba and clearly public. Their romance made headlines—Ana even moved into Ben's Los Angeles home and met his family. But by January 2021 they split, reportedly due to different life goals (like Ana not wanting to settle in L.A.). Their breakup was described as mutual and respectful. The low-key phase: Paul Boukadakis (2021–2024) Next up was Paul Boukadakis, a Tinder executive. They began dating during the pandemic and kept things private—attending a few public events together, living in NYC—but never went red‑carpet official. Their relationship quietly ended around late 2024. Rumored love: Manuel Anido Cuesta (Late 2024–Early 2025) In November 2024, Ana was photographed kissing Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, during a Madrid outing. The relationship drew controversy, especially among Cuban-American communities. While public appearances continued into early 2025, reports in May suggest they've since parted ways. Current buzz: Tom Cruise (2025) From February 2025 onward, Ana and Tom Cruise began turning heads. First spotted dining in London, they've since been seen in multiple settings: arriving by helicopter, attending events like David Beckham's birthday party, and vacationing on a yacht in Menorca. Despite the romance rumors, sources close to both insist the relationship is professional—anchored around upcoming film collaborations including the thriller Deeper. Still, mutual admiration and frequent private outings have stoked intense speculation. Ana reportedly considers Cruise as an 'incredible mentor' in her own right. Although Ana remains focused on her upcoming projects, insiders say Cruise is genuinely smitten—and their chemistry offscreen only adds fuel to the rumors. Neither has confirmed romance.
Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
INDEPENDENT MAYORAL CANDIDATE JOSEPH HERNANDEZ FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT TO BRING RANKED-CHOICE VOTING TO NYC'S GENERAL ELECTION
NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Joseph Hernandez, an independent candidate for Mayor of New York City, has filed a groundbreaking federal civil rights lawsuit demanding the implementation of ranked-choice voting (RCV) in the 2025 general mayoral election. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit challenges the City's use of RCV only in party primaries and special elections—excluding general elections—as unconstitutional and discriminatory. 'A two-tiered election system is fundamentally unfair,' said Hernandez. 'Every New Yorker deserves a vote that counts, and every candidate deserves a level playing field—regardless of party affiliation. RCV ensures majority support and real choice. Without it, the system is rigged in favor of political insiders.' The suit argues that this bifurcated structure suppresses competition, discourages voter participation, and disproportionately harms independent and minority-supported candidates. It further contends that the current system violates the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as the New York State Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act—particularly where it may dilute the voting power of racial and ethnic minorities in a crowded field. Hernandez is represented by Richard Cardinale, a prominent civil rights attorney known for defending everyday New Yorkers. Joseph Hernandez is a Cuban-American entrepreneur, public health innovator, and father—not a career politician. Raised by working-class immigrant parents—his father a dishwasher, his mother a housekeeper—Hernandez worked his way through top universities including the University of Florida, Yale, and Oxford. He has founded and led over a dozen successful companies in biotech, health care, and artificial intelligence, with multiple companies listed on the Nasdaq. Hernandez is running for mayor to restore safety, affordability, and accountability in city government. His campaign centers on practical, people-first solutions: Hire 10,000 new police officers and deploy visible patrols to restore order on streets and subways Enforce quality-of-life laws to bring back basic standards of civility and cleanliness Fast-track affordable housing development by cutting red tape and converting underused office space Use AI and smart technologies to eliminate government inefficiency and improve essential services Launch 'smart city' infrastructure to make NYC more livable, responsive, and secure 'This lawsuit is about fairness,' Hernandez added. 'But this campaign is about fixing New York. We're going to build a city that works for everyone—safe, clean, affordable, and full of opportunity.' Joseph Hernandez will appear on the general election ballot this November as an independent candidate for Mayor of New York City. About Joseph Hernandez:Joseph Hernandez is a Cuban-American biotech entrepreneur and independent candidate for Mayor of New York City. A refugee and the son of a political prisoner, he immigrated to the U.S. at age seven and built a nationally recognized career founding healthcare companies and advancing public health innovation. He is running to restore safety, affordability, and accountability to New York City leadership. For more information, visit
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Michael Jordan's wife Yvette Prieto? Exploring personal life of NBA legend
Michael Jordon and Yvette Prieto. Image via: Getty Images People hear the word basketball, and what immediately comes to their mind is Michael Jordan . This NBA legend's personal life has been on the table lately due to their recent vacation in Greece. The media is buzzing with news about his wife from his second marriage. He is married to Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model who has modelled for the famous designer, Alexander Wang. After Michael Jordan's divorce from ex-wife Juanita Vanoy in 2006, the couple had been together since 2008. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto tied the knot on April 27, 2013, and have twin daughters. The couple had tried to keep their personal life off the camera; however, they have appeared together at some red carpet events. Who is Yvette Prieto? Everything about Michael Jordan's second wife Born on 26 March 1978, Yvette Prieto is a Cuban-American model. She has practiced modelling throughout her career and has also worked at her parents' company. Off the court, Michael Jordan found his love in this young model, and the two got married to each other in 2013. Apart from her modelling career, she has a profound interest in sailing. Thus, the couple had gone on several sailing trips even though Michael Jordan hates water. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 世界中の猫好きがこのランプを絶賛する理由 Wmet 今すぐ購入 Undo This is because if the wife is happy, then everything else gets sorted automatically. Yvette Prieto and Michael Jordan share twin daughters together After exchanging wedding vows in April of 2013, Yvette Prieto gave birth to two beautiful twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel Jordan, on February 9, 2014. Although Michael Jordan has three kids from his previous marriage with Juanita Vanoy, he never really wanted to disclose the fact that they were having twins. 'Yvette and the babies are doing well and the family is overjoyed at their arrival', Michael Jordan's spokesperson said at that moment, demanding some privacy for the couple. Everything about Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto's grand marriage The couple had a celebrity-packed marriage with 500 guests who had RSVP'd. Many celebrities attended the grand celebration Patrick Ewing, Spike Lee, and Tiger Woods. The wedding took place at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, in Palm Beach, Florida. After moving in together in 2009, Michael Jordan proposed to Yvette Prieto during a dreamy Christmas Holiday. Since then, the two haven't stopped planning their dream wedding. Michael Jordan made sure to give his wife everything she had ever wanted. The couple recently went on a luxurious vacation this summer in the Mediterranean. Taking their $115 million yacht to the sea, they truly are living their best life, flaunting their vacation posts to the fans. Also read: Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto turn heads in Greece abroad luxury yacht amid romantic European getaway Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Miami Herald
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Will Trump abandon Miami's ‘Crazy Cubans'? Venezuela announces shift on U.S. strategy
The phones are ringing in Venezuela's Miraflores Presidential Palace — and someone in Washington is on the other end. That was the message this week from Venezuela's powerful Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, who claimed that U.S. policy toward Venezuela is quietly but decisively shifting — and leaving some of Florida's most influential voices out in the cold. In a nationally televised address, Cabello said Donald Trump no longer needs support from Miami's hardline Cuban-American House Representatives, María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Jimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart, mocking them as the 'Crazy Cubans' and suggesting they've been tossed aside like yesterday's talking points. 'Trump has politically abandoned the so-called 'Crazy Cubans,'' Cabello said, claiming they could be sidelined in next year's midterm elections. 'Despite their lobbying for more attacks, Washington is forming a wall — a wall of containment. And it's not the kind they wanted.' Instead, Cabello says a powerful coalition — including major U.S. corporations and senior Republican strategists—is now pushing for a different approach: a deal with Nicolás Maduro's regime. According to an unnamed source he called 'Charlot,' key Trump advisers believe it's time to pivot — to talk, not fight. To make a deal, not trigger another standoff. Cabello, who controls the regime's security apparatus, is considered to be the most powerful man in Venezuela after Maduro. Both have been accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of turning the country into a narco state while using their positions in government to run the so called De Los Soles drug cartel. In January, the State Department increased its reward for their capture to $25 million each, the highest available for a drug offense. The idea of cutting any deal with Maduro is political dynamite in Florida, where more than 350,000 Venezuelan Americans have made their homes and where emotions over Venezuela's collapse on the hands of the Maduro regime run deep. Two options for Trump's White House? But a new report from the Atlantic Council lays out the stark choice facing the White House: double down on pressure — or try something new. Option one: Offer the Caracas socialist regime a path out. Loosen targeted sanctions in exchange for real reforms. Get cooperation on migration. Open space for American oil companies to operate — especially in a country with the world's largest proven reserves. Florida-based businesses could benefit, and so could drivers at the pump. Option two: Hit Maduro harder. Cut off all oil deals. Indict his top officials. Punish foreign firms that do business with the regime. The goal: create so much internal pressure that something—someone—breaks. Supporters of the hardline path say history has shown Maduro can't be trusted. 'We've been here before,' said one Latin America analyst. 'He negotiates, he stalls, and he consolidates. Meanwhile, people starve or flee.' But critics of the pressure-only model point to the fallout back home: Florida's social services are strained by a new migrant wave, housing costs are rising, and local governments are overwhelmed. Cabello claims high-level communication between Caracas and Washington is already underway. 'Phones are ringing—and they're being answered in Miraflores,' he said, adding that this secret diplomacy is 'deeply unsettling' to opposition figures, including its top leader, María Corina Machado. For longtime South Florida political players, Cabello's comments are a shocking claim. Trump built his Venezuela policy during his first term around sanctions, oil freezes, and criminal indictments — earning loyal support from Miami's exile community. If he's now rethinking that approach, it could trigger serious political blowback in the Sunshine State. As of now, both strategies appear to be running on parallel tracks in Washington. According to an article published last week by The New York Times, a high-level effort to free a group of detained Americans and dozens of Venezuelan political prisoners collapsed earlier this year due to internal conflict within the Trump administration. Sources cited by the newspaper said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was leading advanced negotiations with Venezuela to exchange approximately 250 Venezuelan migrants — previously deported from the United States and held in El Salvador — for 11 American citizens and about 80 political prisoners incarcerated by the Maduro regime. The plan, coordinated by U.S. diplomat John McNamara, had progressed to the point where flights were scheduled and logistics were set by May. However, the operation fell apart after Richard Grenell, Trump's special envoy to Venezuela, launched a parallel negotiation with a different proposal, which included lifting oil sanctions in exchange for the release of detained Americans. Grenell's plan — which was not coordinated with Rubio or the State Department — involved renewing Chevron's license to operate in Venezuela, offering crucial economic relief to Maduro's regime. The proposal reportedly attracted interest in Caracas but clashed with Rubio's diplomatic approach, spurring confusion among officials in both countries. As for who was truly representing President Trump, Venezuelan authorities were unclear. The discord echoed similar internal struggles during Trump's first term, when competing factions often pursued their own foreign policy agendas. 'The feeling we had as parents was that there were several people talking, but they weren't working together — one negotiator said one thing, and another said something different,' underscored Petra Castañeda, whose son, a Navy SEAL, is detained in Venezuela, in an interview withThe New York Times.
