US Vice-President Kamala Harris recently visited the US-Mexico border to counter Republican criticism on immigration, especially from Donald Trump.
This trip, her first since 2021, came as she aimed to show a tougher stance on border control, accusing Trump of focusing on “blaming others instead of finding solutions,” according to the BBC.
Harris argued that Trump failed to fix immigration issues during his time in office and said Republicans are forcing a false choice between border security and a humane immigration system.
Earlier, Trump claimed Harris was “failing” on immigration and supported a “terrible” border security bill. Polls suggest more Americans trust Trump on handling immigration, as reported by BBC.
Harris visited Cochise County in Arizona, a region known for high border crossings, to inspect the border wall and meet with local officials.
She emphasized that the US could have both strong borders and an orderly immigration system. Harris also said she would strengthen asylum laws and revive a bipartisan border security plan that Trump had blocked.
Some local residents, like rancher Jim Chilton, are skeptical of Harris’s efforts. Chilton, who supports Trump, believes the Biden administration has allowed an “open border policy.”
He told the BBC that many migrants, some potentially dangerous, cross through his land regularly. While he doesn’t think Harris will tackle the issue seriously, Harris stated that both security and humane treatment of migrants are possible.
Despite concerns from some, the Biden administration’s policies have already reduced illegal border crossings to a four-year low, according to BBC.
Harris has faced a tough challenge in balancing border security with addressing the root causes of migration from Central America. She has focused on long-term solutions, such as reducing poverty and corruption in those regions.
As a candidate, Harris has highlighted her experience as a former prosecutor, particularly in dealing with criminal organizations, to show she is serious about immigration.
However, as the BBC points out, convincing voters that her approach can balance security and compassion remains her biggest challenge in the race against Trump.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9jx3zp13mo