In a recent campaign stop in Douglas, Arizona, Vice President Kamala Harris outlined her commitment to tougher immigration policies and enhanced controls on fentanyl trafficking. During her address on September 28, 2024, she criticized former President Donald Trump for exacerbating immigration issues, noting that over 7 million migrants have been arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border during President Biden's administration [c29112b4].
Harris proposed stricter asylum rules and punitive measures for illegal crossings, including a five-year ban on re-entry for violators. She emphasized the need for a humane immigration system that includes a pathway to citizenship for 'Dreamers' [c29112b4]. This approach comes as public sentiment shifts, with a Gallup Poll indicating that 55% of Americans support increased immigration limits [556e0716].
In addition to immigration reform, Harris pledged to double funding for prosecuting transnational criminal organizations and modernizing drug screening processes. This is particularly urgent as fentanyl overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, with over 107,000 overdose deaths reported in 2023 [c29112b4].
Harris's recent campaign ad, released in July 2024, mirrored Republican rhetoric on border security, reflecting a broader national mood that has become increasingly critical of immigration policies [556e0716]. Despite her efforts, critics, including former New York Governor David Paterson, argue that Harris should prioritize border issues over other topics like abortion and minimum wage to strengthen her campaign [4f0e7388].
As the political landscape evolves, both Harris and Trump are navigating the complexities of immigration policy. Trump continues to leverage immigration as a key issue in his campaign, claiming that Harris has failed to address border issues effectively during her tenure [c29112b4]. A recent poll showed that 43% of voters favor Trump on immigration, while 33% support Harris [c29112b4].
Harris's role as the administration's point person on immigration includes diplomatic efforts to address challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, such as collaborating with Central American countries to improve living conditions and reduce migration. While migration from these countries has decreased by 35% during the Biden administration, it remains unclear how much of this decline can be attributed to Harris's initiatives [6e6c75c0].