President Biden’s Decision to Give up Re-Election Bid and Harris’ Role on Immigration
After President Biden’s decision to give up his re-election bid and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, Harris’ role on immigration has come under scrutiny as the Democratic presidential nominee. Soon after Biden’s announcement, Republicans began blaming Harris for the Biden administration’s struggles at the U.S.-Mexico border, with record numbers of illegal crossings being reported over the past three years.
In a phone conversation with CBS News, Former President Donald Trump criticized Harris, calling her “the worst border czar ever” and accusing her of overseeing a failing border. As the Democratic nominee, Harris is likely to face increased criticism over the Biden administration’s immigration record, a key concern for American voters.
Understanding Harris’ Immigration Role
In March 2021, amid a surge in illegal border crossings at the U.S. southern border, President Biden assigned Harris to lead diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of migration from countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Harris focused on issues such as poverty, corruption, and violence in the region known as Central America’s Northern Triangle, a major source of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border.
It’s important to note that Harris was not tasked with overseeing immigration policy or enforcement at the border, responsibilities that fall under Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Harris’s role primarily involved working to attract investment in Central America, promote democracy, and address development challenges through diplomatic efforts.
Challenges and Criticisms
While Harris’s work on addressing the root causes of immigration is crucial, there are legitimate questions about the effectiveness of these efforts. While the focus on the Northern Triangle countries is important, migration patterns have shifted in recent years, with immigrants coming from a diverse range of countries.
Statistics show that while apprehensions of immigrants from the Northern Triangle have decreased, the overall number of illegal crossings remains high. Harris has faced criticism from both Republican and progressive circles, with some questioning the impact of her diplomatic efforts on curbing immigration. Her statement during a visit to Guatemala advising against migration also drew backlash.
Looking Ahead
As the second-highest-ranking member of the Biden administration, Harris will likely continue to face scrutiny over immigration issues. While her diplomatic efforts in addressing root causes are a long-term strategy, the immediate challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border remain a pressing concern. Harris’s role in promoting investment and development in Central America will be closely watched as the administration seeks to address the complex issue of immigration.
