Vice President Kamala Harris, once a critic of Trump’s border wall, now pledges to spend hundreds of millions on it if elected president, marking a significant shift in her immigration stance.
At a Glance
- Harris now supports expanding the US southern border wall, previously criticized as “un-American”
- This policy shift follows attacks from the Trump campaign on immigration issues
- Harris is adopting a more hawkish immigration stance, highlighting support for the border wall in campaign ads
- The move reflects ongoing challenges in developing effective immigration controls
- Harris’ support among Hispanic voters has increased since entering the 2024 presidential race
Harris’s Evolving Stance on Border Security
Vice President Kamala Harris has made a surprising pivot in her approach to border security, embracing elements of former President Donald Trump’s controversial border wall policy. This shift represents a stark departure from her previous stance, where she had dismissed the wall as a “medieval vanity project.” The change in policy underscores the complex challenges facing the Biden administration in addressing immigration concerns.
Harris’s new position includes a commitment to reviving a bipartisan immigration deal, which includes provisions for border wall construction. Senator James Lankford, a key figure in the negotiations, highlighted the similarity to Trump-era standards, stating, “It requires the Trump border wall. It is in the bill itself that it sets the standards that were set during the Trump administration: Here’s where it will be built. Here’s how it has to be built, the height, the type, everything during the Trump construction.”
“It requires the Trump border wall,” Lankford told Axios. “It is in the bill itself that it sets the standards that were set during the Trump administration: Here’s where it will be built. Here’s how it has to be built, the height, the type, everything during the Trump construction.”
Political Implications and Campaign Strategy
The Harris campaign’s shift on border security is part of a broader strategy to counter Republican attacks on immigration policy. By adopting a more hawkish stance, Harris aims to neutralize criticism from the Trump campaign and appeal to voters concerned about border control. This approach is reflected in her campaign ads, which now portray her as an immigration hardliner, emphasizing support for the border wall and Border Patrol agents.
Despite this policy shift, Harris continues to see strong support among Hispanic voters. Recent polls show her leading Trump by 20 points in this demographic, suggesting that her new stance has not significantly alienated this crucial voting bloc. The campaign is also focusing on rural health care and internet access investments to broaden its appeal to small-town voters.
Balancing Act: Humane Policies and Border Security
The Biden administration initially promised a more “humane” approach to US immigration policy compared to the Trump era. However, the reality of managing border security has led to compromises and policy adjustments. Harris’s support for elements of Trump’s border wall policy reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing humanitarian concerns with effective border control measures.
Critics argue that this policy shift represents a betrayal of earlier promises and principles. However, supporters view it as a necessary pragmatic approach to address pressing border security concerns. The debate surrounding Harris’s evolving stance on immigration highlights the complex and often contentious nature of US immigration policy.
Looking Ahead: The 2024 Election and Beyond
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, immigration policy is likely to remain a central issue. Harris’s campaign strategy, which includes this new stance on border security, will be put to the test. The success or failure of this approach could have significant implications for Democratic strategies on immigration and border control in the future.
While the policy shift has generated controversy, it also demonstrates the Harris campaign’s willingness to adapt to political realities and voter concerns. As the election draws nearer, it remains to be seen how this evolving stance on border security will impact Harris’s overall campaign and her potential presidency.
