Kamala Harris’s recent trip to Arizona highlights her role in U.S. border policies and the pressing issue of human trafficking.
At a Glance
- Harris visited the U.S.-Mexico border advocating tighter asylum restrictions and bipartisan cooperation.
- The visit responded to criticisms from Donald Trump about her border policy stance.
- Biden’s policies have reduced unlawful crossings by over 50%.
- Efforts to improve border security and combat human trafficking were key discussion points.
Addressing Criticism and Enhancing Border Security
Vice President Kamala Harris recently visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona to advocate for tightening asylum restrictions and to bolster support for comprehensive border security measures. This visit comes in response to criticisms from her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, regarding her stance on border policies. Harris’s engagement also emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation and the application of new technologies to address ongoing issues at the border. Her push included stricter asylum rules, such as barring asylum for those who cross illegally.
Harris has been vocal in her criticism of Trump, pointing out his failure to address the shortage of immigration judges and border agents while focusing instead on punitive measures. She proposed reviving a bipartisan agreement to increase funding for border agents and equipment to detect illicit substances like fentanyl. These actions signify a move towards more robust enforcement tactics to disrupt criminal trafficking enterprises.
As Attorney General of California, I prosecuted transnational criminal organizations that trafficked guns, drugs, and human beings. I know the importance of safety and security, especially at our border.
Today, I visited the U.S.-Mexico border and spoke with Customs and Border… pic.twitter.com/tM310fcwrA
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 28, 2024
Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
The vice president reiterated her dedication to dismantling transnational criminal organizations and enhancing border security. Harris has underscored the critical importance of government efforts to curb human trafficking activities that proliferate under lax border enforcement. During her visit, she engaged with local Border Patrol leaders and received briefings on topics including drug trafficking and legal border crossings. Efforts to address these issues were further underscored by her plan to introduce new fentanyl detection machines, increase the number of Border Patrol agents, and press China to reduce fentanyl precursor chemicals.
“Stopping transnational criminal organizations and strengthening our border is not new to me, and it is a longstanding priority of mine,” Harris said.
The Biden administration’s recent executive actions aiming to reduce unlawful border crossings by over 50% were key factors in her discussions. Harris also proposed lowering the threshold required to suspend asylum claim processing, asserting the need to implement stricter measures against illegal crossings while supporting humane immigration policies.
Watch Live: Kamala Harris Will Visit US-Mexico Border In Arizona https://t.co/Q6rKLgyIBQ
Harris will accuse Trump of "playing games" with the border and pledge to "hire more border agents, enforce the law and step up technology, stop fentanyl smuggling and human trafficking ."
— RCP Video (@rcpvideo) September 27, 2024
Future Policy Directions
Kamala Harris’s role in addressing U.S. border policy underscores a focus on bipartisan solutions to what she terms “a broken immigration system.” Her approach includes encouraging investment in Central America to create job opportunities, thereby reducing migration pressures. As Harris aims to reshape voter perceptions amid criticism of the current administration’s immigration handling, her proposed policy changes, such as stricter penalties for repeat illegal crossers and requiring asylum claims at official entry points, offer a significant pivot from past practices.
“I reject the false choice that suggests we must choose either between securing our border and creating a system that is orderly, safe and humane,” Harris said. “We can and we must do both.”
While implementing these strategies, Harris highlights her history of prosecutorial work related to the border during her tenure as California’s attorney general, reinforcing her experienced approach to border security. Her commitment to this issue aims to resonate with a demographic increasingly concerned about the integrity of America’s borders and the safety of its citizens.
Sources
1. WATCH: Harris delivers campaign remarks in Arizona after visit to border
2. At the border in Arizona, Harris lays out a plan to get tough on fentanyl
