Rep. María Elvira Salazar is drawing sharp lines with the Trump administration after federal officials announced a sudden pause on immigration processing for nationals from 20 “high-risk” countries — including Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.
The halt, which affects green cards, citizenship ceremonies, and asylum claims, came in the wake of the shooting of two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. But Salazar says the sweeping freeze goes too far.
In comments to the left-leaning Miami Herald, she slammed the administration for what she called “collective punishment,” saying law-abiding immigrants who followed every rule are the ones being shoved to the back of the line.
“Background checks are already in place,” she said. “Freezing legal immigration isn’t the answer — it’s un-American.”
Her stance immediately drew political fire. Democratic challenger Richard Lamondin seized the moment, accusing her of backing Trump “every step of the way” on immigration until now. He argued she’s trying to recalibrate as the 2026 race approaches.
Elsewhere in Florida’s delegation, reactions diverged. Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart and Carlos Gimenez echoed concerns about past border failures but stopped short of directly criticizing the pause itself.
The split underscores how volatile immigration remains — especially in South Florida, where communities from the affected countries have long histories and deep political influence.
