Conservatives are sharply criticizing Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) for her endorsement of the Dignity Act, a piece of legislation that many view as a gateway to amnesty for illegal immigrants. This backlash has reached a point where loyal Trump supporters are calling for the former president to withdraw his endorsement of Salazar, which he gave on February 10, 2026.
The Dignity Act is framed by its sponsors as a solution for illegal immigrants who have made their lives in the U.S. for years. However, opponents, particularly within the America First movement, see it quite differently. They argue that the bill offers a seven-year renewable legal status, work permits, and protections from deportation—as elements of an amnesty program dressed up in more palatable language. The RINO Removal Project, a popular account on the social media platform X, has captured this growing discontent, urging that Salazar embodies the Republican In Name Only (RINO) label due to her legislative choices.
The post from the RINO Removal Project encapsulates the sentiment of many conservative voters: “Call it what it is: legalized amnesty under a different name.” This assertion points toward a clear frustration with perceived betrayals of core Republican values. Critics argue that Salazar’s support for the Dignity Act contradicts the party’s stronger immigration enforcement stances. Many within the base feel that the focus should be on sealing the border and deportations rather than providing legal pathways for those who entered the country illegally.
While Salazar has strengths that align with conservative principles—such as a strong pro-life voting record and her compelling immigrant story—these qualities are overshadowed by her association with the Dignity Act. Her critics cite her Heritage Action score of 53% as evidence of her tendency to prioritize establishment goals over strict enforcement of immigration laws. This position not only alienates her from hardcore conservatives but also raises concerns about her effectiveness in representing their interests.
Salazar’s history of negotiating bipartisan deals on immigration highlights a willingness to engage in dialogue, but this approach has put her at odds with many in her party who favor a more hardline stance. The America First movement does not merely seek reform; it demands robust enforcement. The Dignity Act’s provisions, which include legal status and work permits for illegal immigrants, conflict fundamentally with this desire for strict immigration policies.
“In the upcoming primary, voters have a clear choice,” the RINO Removal Project declaration notes, as challengers like V. Michael Arias and Gavin Solomon enter the race. The urgency in this statement underscores an expectation that conservatives will demand candidates who align with their immigration enforcement goals—not those who advocate for compromises. The stakes are high, and with the primary date looming, the pressure on Salazar is mounting.
The argument for Trump to reconsider his endorsement highlights a significant rift within the party. Supporters feel that Salazar’s legislative ambitions veer too closely toward concessions that risk diluting what many view as the core values of the Republican Party. As one user aptly put it, “This is not what we voted for.” The sense of betrayal is palpable, and conservatives are keenly aware they are navigating a critical moment with a clear vision for what they expect from their elected officials.
The imminent primary is set against a backdrop of discontent and a decisive sentiment among voters. Conservatives are poised to make it known that their support depends on more than just party affiliation; it hinges on unwavering adherence to values and a commitment to enforcing the law as it stands. For Salazar, the challenge ahead is monumental: she must reconcile her bipartisan approach with the hardline expectations of the base—if she seeks to maintain her position and the endorsement of a highly influential figure in the party.
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