Vice President Kamala Harris Takes on the Border Issue in Arizona
Vice President Kamala Harris made her first visit to the U.S. border with Mexico in Arizona, walking along a scrubby stretch on Friday. In an effort to project a tougher stance on illegal migration and address a key issue in the upcoming election, Harris called for further tightening of asylum restrictions.
Harris aims to go beyond President Joe Biden’s policy on asylum claims, recognizing the importance of border security while also advocating for a more orderly, safe, and humane immigration system. This stance differentiates her from former President Donald Trump, who has historically held a stronger position on border control.
During her visit, Harris emphasized the need to strike a balance, stating, “I reject the false choice that suggests we must choose either between securing our border and creating a system that is orderly, safe, and humane. We can and we must do both.”
Engaging with local Border Patrol leaders, Harris walked along a wall constructed during the Obama presidency in Douglas, Arizona, where temperatures neared 100 degrees. She also received a closed-door briefing at the Douglas port of entry on efforts to combat drug trafficking and improve the legal flow of goods and people across the border.
Recognizing the challenges faced by Border Patrol agents, Harris expressed her support for their work, acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for comprehensive solutions.
As the border remains a central topic in national discourse, Harris’ visit underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the issue with a blend of toughness and compassion, aiming to find a balanced approach to immigration management.
