U.S. Representative María Elvira Salazar, a Republican from Miami, is urging the Trump administration to uphold protections for migrants who qualified under the “humanitarian parole” program established by former President Biden. This program allows Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Haitians to live and work in the United States for up to two years.
Salazar’s call to action came in a letter sent to Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman, following reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may begin deporting migrants admitted under temporary permits issued by the previous administration. In her letter, Salazar expressed concern for the affected migrants, stating, “Although President Biden originally created this program on dubious legal grounds, those enrolled should still be allowed to see their applications through to rectify their legal status.”
Who is María Elvira Salazar? A prominent voice for freedom and human rights, Salazar has made waves with her advocacy and policy work. Read on to learn more about her life, career, and political priorities.
Who Is Maria Elvira Salazar?
Maria Elvira Salazar is an American politician, journalist, and television anchor who serves as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Miami and surrounding areas. A Republican, Salazar is known for her staunch advocacy on immigration reform, freedom in Latin America, and national security.
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Before entering politics, she enjoyed a successful career as a prominent journalist and news anchor.
Salazar is the daughter of Cuban exiles who fled the Castro regime, which shaped her strong stance on freedom and anti-communism. Growing up in Miami, she was immersed in the cultural vibrancy of the Cuban-American community.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Miami and later obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Maria Elvira Salazar’s Complete Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Elvira Salazar |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Age | 63 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Cuban-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Education | – Bachelor’s in Communications, University of Miami |
| – Master’s in Public Administration, Harvard University (Kennedy School of Government) | |
| Profession | Politician, Former Journalist and News Anchor |
| Political Party | Republican Party |
| Current Role | U.S. Representative for Florida’s 27th Congressional District |
| Journalism Career | – News anchor for Univision and Telemundo |
| – Host of “Maria Elvira Live” | |
| – Covered U.S.-Latin American relations extensively | |
| Awards | – 5 Emmy Awards for journalism |
| – Recognized for investigative reporting on Latin America | |
| Major Political Focus | – Immigration Reform (proposed the Dignity Act) |
| – Human rights and pro-democracy movements in Latin America | |
| – Economic growth and small business development | |
| Committee Assignments | – House Foreign Affairs Committee |
| – House Small Business Committee | |
| Spouse | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Residence | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Languages | English and Spanish |
| Notable Achievements | – Defeated incumbent Donna Shalala in 2020 |
| – Vocal advocate for Cuban and Venezuelan freedom | |
| – Proposed bipartisan immigration legislation | |
| Social Media | – Twitter: @MaElviraSalazar |
| – Instagram: @MariaElviraSalazar | |
| Interesting Fact | Interviewed Fidel Castro, showcasing her fearless journalism style |
Career in Journalism
Maria Elvira Salazar spent over 35 years in journalism before transitioning to politics. Her work earned her widespread recognition and multiple awards.
- Television Career:
- Salazar worked as a news anchor and reporter for major networks, including Telemundo and Univision.
- She hosted her own show, “Maria Elvira Live”, where she interviewed world leaders, including Fidel Castro, showcasing her fearless approach to journalism.
Salazar won five Emmy Awards for her work in broadcast journalism, particularly for her investigative reporting and coverage of Latin American issues.
Throughout her career, she reported extensively on U.S.-Latin American relations, human rights, and the struggles of those living under authoritarian regimes, solidifying her reputation as a voice for the oppressed.
Maria Elvira Salazar’s Political Career
Salazar’s deep connection to the Cuban-American community and her passion for advocating freedom led her to enter politics.
Election to Congress:
- Salazar was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, defeating incumbent Democrat Donna Shalala.
- She represents Florida’s 27th District, a diverse and politically important constituency with a significant Cuban-American population.
Policy Focus:
- Immigration Reform: Salazar has proposed the Dignity Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants while securing the U.S. border.
- Freedom in Latin America: A vocal critic of authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, she has consistently pushed for U.S. support of pro-democracy movements in the region.
- Economic Growth: She supports pro-business policies and tax reform to spur economic development in her district.
Committee Assignments:
- Salazar serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she focuses on U.S.-Latin American relations and global human rights issues.
- She is also a member of the House Committee on Small Business, reflecting her commitment to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners in her district.
Maria Elvira Salazar Net Worth
As of the latest available, Maria Elvira Salazar has an estimated net worth of approximately $12.1 million. This valuation is based on her financial disclosures, which detail various assets:
- Stock Holdings: Approximately $3.7 million
- Ownership Interests in Entities: Around $3.5 million
- Farms: Valued at $2 million
- Real Property: Estimated at $1.6 million
- Mutual Funds: Approximately $1.3 million
In 2021, Rep. Salazar announced her intention to forgo her congressional salary to establish a “prosperity center” aimed at job training and employment assistance for her constituents. However, this initiative faced challenges due to House rules, and it’s unclear if the center was successfully established.
Personal Life
Maria Elvira Salazar is not just known for her political career and journalistic achievements but also for her dedication to her family. A proud Cuban-American, her personal life reflects her deep-rooted values and commitment to her heritage.
Who Is Maria Elvira Salazar’s Husband?
Maria Elvira Salazar has kept much of her personal life private, including details about her marital status. As of now, there is no publicly available information confirming that she is currently married. However, she has been previously linked to relationships, but no verified details about her current marital status have been disclosed.
How Many Children Does She Have?
Maria Elvira Salazar is a proud mother of two daughters (Nicoletta and Martina), who are central to her life. While she maintains a relatively private family life, she has shared that her children are a source of strength and inspiration as she navigates the demands of public service and politics. Salazar’s focus on family values often resonates with her constituents, particularly in her Miami district.
As the daughter of Cuban exiles, Maria Elvira Salazar grew up immersed in the stories of her parents’ sacrifices to escape Fidel Castro’s regime. This personal connection to the struggles of Cuban immigrants has deeply influenced her political priorities, particularly her strong stance on freedom and human rights in Latin America.
Maria Elvira Salazar has built a career that bridges journalism and politics, using her platform to advocate for freedom, democracy, and human rights. She brings a unique perspective to Congress, shaped by her Cuban heritage and decades of reporting on issues that matter to her constituents. Her legislative work, especially on immigration and Latin American affairs, reflects her commitment to creating meaningful change both in her district and globally.
