As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Vice President Kamala Harris is making a bold move to seize the initiative on a key issue that has traditionally favored her Republican opponents – immigration. Facing a barrage of attacks from former President Donald Trump and his GOP allies, Harris is determined to reframe the narrative and showcase her own extensive experience and record on border security and immigration enforcement.
Harris’ Immigration Credentials
Contrary to the Republican claims, Harris’ background makes her well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges of immigration policy. During her tenure as Attorney General of California, a border state, she gained first-hand experience in the trenches of the immigration fight. “I walked underground tunnels between the United States of America and Mexico on that border with law enforcement officers,” she recounted at a recent campaign rally in Atlanta. “I went after transnational gangs, drug cartels and human traffickers that came into our country illegally. I prosecuted them in case after case, and I won.”
Challenging Trump’s Immigration Legacy
Harris is now seeking to turn the tables on Trump, highlighting his own failings on the immigration front. She has accused the former president of “tanking” a bipartisan Senate bill in 2023 that was intended to bolster border security and curb illegal crossings. “Even the border patrol endorsed it,” Harris said. “It was all set to pass, but at the last minute, Trump directed his allies in the Senate to vote it down. He tanked the bipartisan deal because he thought it would help him win an election.”
Navigating the Biden Administration’s Border Policies
While Harris has assumed a prominent role in the Biden administration’s efforts to address the root causes of migration, her record has been the subject of intense scrutiny and criticism. Some have argued that her focus on the “Northern Triangle” countries of Central America was misguided, as the surge in migration has since shifted to other regions like Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba.
Combating the Migrant Surge
The Biden-Harris administration has faced a daunting challenge in stemming the tide of migrants crossing the southern border. During their tenure, the U.S. has seen a staggering 7 million migrant arrests, with annual crossings averaging around 2 million in 2021 and 2023. While the administration has implemented measures to curb these numbers, the crisis remains a pressing concern, with 1.3 million migrants crossing the border in the first 9 months of fiscal year 2024.
Harris’ Central America Initiatives
As part of her portfolio, Harris has spearheaded efforts to address the “root causes” of migration from Central America. This has involved working with business leaders to expand economic opportunities in countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, with the aim of creating jobs and stemming the flow of migrants northward. She has also pushed for the establishment of programs that would allow refugees to apply for protection closer to their home countries.
Navigating Criticism and Political Attacks
Harris’ involvement in the administration’s immigration policies has not been without its challenges. Early on, she faced criticism for her hesitance to visit the U.S.-Mexico border, and her messaging on migration was widely panned as clumsy and counterproductive. Republicans have seized on these missteps, repeatedly attacking her for failing to stem the surge of migrants.
Shifting the Narrative
Undeterred, Harris is now seeking to shift the narrative and put the GOP on the defensive. At a recent campaign rally, she highlighted Trump’s efforts to derail the bipartisan immigration bill, accusing him of prioritizing political calculations over substantive solutions. “Donald Trump has been talking a big game about securing our border. But he does not walk the walk,” she declared.
The Political Stakes
With immigration shaping up to be a central issue in the 2024 race, the stakes for Harris are high. Polls have shown that the public favors Trump over Biden on the issue of immigration, and Harris will need to effectively counter the Republican attacks and convince voters that she is the better steward of the nation’s borders.
Leveraging Her Experience
To do so, Harris is leveraging her extensive experience in the trenches of immigration enforcement, painting herself as a seasoned, battle-tested leader who is uniquely qualified to tackle the crisis. By highlighting her work going after transnational gangs, drug cartels, and human traffickers, she is seeking to establish her credentials as a tough-on-crime, border security champion.
Addressing the “Root Causes”
At the same time, Harris is emphasizing her efforts to address the underlying “root causes” of migration, such as poverty, violence, and lack of economic opportunity in Central America. While these long-term solutions may not yield immediate results, she is positioning them as a more holistic and sustainable approach to the immigration challenge.
Navigating a Shifting Landscape
As the political landscape continues to evolve, Harris will need to carefully navigate the complexities of the immigration issue, balancing her enforcement credentials with her efforts to tackle the root causes of migration. With the Republican attacks intensifying, she will be under immense pressure to demonstrate her ability to secure the border and stem the tide of migrants.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’ bid to reframe the immigration debate represents a high-stakes gamble in the run-up to the 2024 election. By drawing on her own experience and challenging the Republican narrative, she is seeking to seize the initiative on a issue that has traditionally favored her opponents. The outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of the country’s immigration policies and the political fortunes of the Democratic Party.
and then 