As Vice President Kamala Harris hits the campaign trail as the anticipated Democratic presidential nominee, her record on immigration and border policies is once again under intense scrutiny. With immigration being a critical issue for many Americans heading to the polls in November, Harris faces tough questions about her role as the Biden administration’s “border czar.”
Republicans continue to criticize Harris for her handling of the border crisis. Despite making only one visit to the border, specifically to El Paso, local leaders have praised her efforts in Central America. El Paso County Commissioner David Stout acknowledges Harris’s work in addressing the root causes of migration, noting that while the state’s Operation Lone Star has been in place since the beginning of the Biden administration, it has not effectively stemmed the flow of illegal immigration. Stout hopes that if Harris is elected, she will focus more on visa reform to create more legal pathways for migration.
During her tenure overseeing border issues, illegal immigration has set new records each year, fueling Republican attacks. At a campaign event in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Senator JD Vance (R-OH) criticized Harris, saying, “She was assigned the role but didn’t come to the border.” Similarly, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) voiced his disapproval on the House floor, supporting a GOP-backed resolution condemning Harris’s performance as “border czar.”
House Republicans have quickly capitalized on this narrative, passing a resolution that condemns Harris’s handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. This symbolic resolution echoes former President Donald Trump’s criticism of Harris, which has intensified as she becomes the likely Democratic nominee. The resolution garnered support from all House Republicans and six Democrats facing tough reelection battles.
Despite the criticism, Harris has defenders who emphasize her accomplishments in Central America. Commissioner Stout argues that her work in the region should not be discounted, highlighting efforts to improve conditions in migrant-sending countries as a long-term solution to the migration crisis.
The Biden administration has faced significant political challenges due to historic levels of border crossings. In June, President Biden announced significant restrictions on asylum applications at the border, leading to a decrease in arrests for illegal crossings. However, the political fallout from earlier surges continues to impact Harris’s reputation.
As the campaign progresses, Harris’s immigration policies and her performance as “border czar” will likely remain central issues. The Vice President will need to navigate these challenges and articulate her vision for addressing immigration and border security to win over voters.
