Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent portrayal as a centrist on immigration and border security has raised eyebrows among conservative commentators and policymakers. This narrative, championed by outlets like Axios, suggests a shift towards tougher stances. However, a closer examination reveals that Harris’s long-standing support for expansive immigration policies remains unchanged, casting doubt on claims of her newfound moderation.
The assertion that Harris has pivoted to a more center-right stance on immigration comes amid her persistent backing of a February 2024 Senate bill designed to significantly expand U.S. immigration. Despite suggestions to the contrary, Harris’s aides have been reticent to reaffirm her previous radical statements, providing little concrete evidence of a genuine shift in stance. Instead, Harris continues to endorse policies that would not only maintain but increase the flow of migrants, a position clearly reflected in her public statements and campaign materials.
Harris has underscored her commitment to the Senate’s February 2024 border bill, describing it as a robust compromise aiming to reform the immigration system while allegedly securing the border. During her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Harris promised to revive and sign this bill into law, touting its potential to create an “earned pathway to citizenship” – a euphemism for amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. This language, designed to appeal to a broader audience, masks the bill’s controversial provisions, which include rapid citizenship processing at the border, expanded work permits, and executive authority to dramatically increase the influx of foreign workers.
The political rhetoric suggesting a tough-on-immigration approach is strategically crafted to appeal to centrist and undecided voters as the 2024 election approaches. Yet, the actual policies within the bill tell a different story. The February 2024 bill includes clauses that effectively codify a catch-and-release framework, allowing substantial numbers of illegal immigrants to enter the U.S. before any stringent border controls can be enforced. Republicans have criticized these measures as detrimental to American workers and taxpayers, pointing out that they would exacerbate the issues caused by unchecked immigration.
Polling data consistently indicates that a majority of voters, including a significant number of Democrats, favor stringent immigration enforcement. A YouGov survey in August highlighted that 56 percent of registered voters support the arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants, reflecting deep public concern over the impacts of mass migration on local communities and the economy. These figures underscore a growing divergence between the policy positions of the Democratic leadership and the preferences of the American electorate.
The Biden administration, with Harris at the forefront on this issue, appears determined to push an immigration agenda that prioritizes the interests of corporate lobbyists and international elites over those of American citizens. This strategy aligns with the administration’s broader economic policy, which relies heavily on an influx of low-wage workers to support the “Bidenomics” agenda. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’s comments in September invoked Canada’s strategic market-based approach to foreign labor, suggesting a shift toward similar policies in the U.S.
Ultimately, the portrayal of Harris as a centrist on immigration is not substantiated by her legislative endorsements or her public declarations. The ongoing narrative of her tough border stance seems to be more a tactical rebranding effort than a substantive policy change. As the 2024 election draws near, it remains crucial for voters to critically assess these claims and recognize the broader implications of the proposed immigration reforms on America’s future. The debate over immigration remains a defining issue, with significant consequences for national sovereignty, economic stability, and the social fabric of the nation.
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