No Amnesty, No Apologies

In a political climate where most candidates dodge immigration reform or default to talking points, John Myrick is doing something rare—offering solutions.

The former law enforcement officer, national security expert, and 2026 Republican candidate for Maryland governor made waves this week by publicly endorsing “Plan Dignity,” a bipartisan federal immigration bill introduced by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and co-sponsored by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

And he didn’t just endorse it—he defended it, explained it, and owned it.

“This is not amnesty. It’s not citizenship. It’s accountability and opportunity for people who’ve obeyed our laws and paid their taxes,” Myrick told Maryland Bay News in an exclusive statement. “This bill strengthens our borders, supports law enforcement, and restores dignity to those quietly contributing to our communities.”

What’s in “Plan Dignity”?

Originally introduced as H.R. 3599 in 2023, Plan Dignity provides a legal work status—but not citizenship—to undocumented immigrants who’ve lived in the U.S. for more than five years, maintained a clean record, and paid taxes. It imposes an annual fine of $1,000 for seven years and a 1% income penalty while explicitly denying access to government benefits like Medicaid or SNAP.

It’s a policy blend that echoes Reagan-era pragmatism with a post-9/11 emphasis on enforcement.

The bill:

Increases penalties for unlawful entry.

Enhances ICE and CBP operations.

Allows DHS to vet participants and deny legal status to those with criminal or gang affiliations.

Provides no path to citizenship—only work permits renewed annually for seven years.

Myrick calls it “the most comprehensive immigration reform in 40 years,” and he’s not wrong. In an era of both political grandstanding and partisan gridlock, Plan Dignity is rare: a serious policy proposal with bipartisan backing that doesn’t insult voters’ intelligence.

The Maryland Perspective

Myrick’s embrace of the bill aligns with his campaign’s consistent message: law, order, and dignity—not slogans. And he’s made clear this isn’t about opening doors. It’s about closing loopholes and ending the chaos.

“For four decades, Congress has failed to fix our broken immigration system,” Myrick said. “Plan Dignity holds people accountable while offering a clear legal path for those who deserve to stay—and it empowers law enforcement to remove those who don’t.”

He’s also calling for Maryland to participate in the DHS 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to assist in identifying and processing illegal immigrants with pending deportation orders. That’s a stark contrast to sanctuary policies pushed in progressive jurisdictions like Montgomery County.

According to Myrick, Maryland’s Republican base is ready for leadership that’s tough and thoughtful.

“We don’t need more virtue signaling. We need real solutions,” he said.

Critics vs. Common Sense

Predictably, the plan has drawn skepticism from both the open-borders left and the “deport-them-all” right. But Myrick’s answer is clear: “This bill does not create a special class—it creates a legal process. And it doesn’t reward bad behavior. It rewards responsibility.”

It’s a clear pitch to working-class Marylanders who’ve felt the impact of illegal immigration in the form of suppressed wages, stressed public schools, and overwhelmed healthcare systems—but who also believe in fairness for those who follow the rules.

“These people are already here. They’re not going away. Let’s stop pretending deporting 11 million people is a serious plan,” Myrick said. “Let’s give the good ones a legal lane—and get the bad ones out.”

A Different Kind of Republican

While many Republican candidates are happy to parrot MAGA rhetoric without policy backup, Myrick is offering what most voters say they want: a real plan.

It’s smart politics, too. At a time when border security is a top issue—even in blue states—Myrick’s message may resonate beyond traditional Republican voters.

“Plan Dignity offers $50 billion in contributions to the U.S. Treasury,” he noted. “That’s money from people who want to earn their place, not take handouts.”

Whether voters will reward that message in 2026 remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: John Myrick isn’t waiting for someone else to lead.

He’s already doing it.

Maryland Bay News will continue coverage of Plan Dignity, the 2026 gubernatorial race, and the evolving national immigration debate. Follow us for updates at mdbaynews.com or on X @MDBayNews.