Washington, D.C. – In a surprising turn of events, President Joe Biden has announced that he will not be running for re-election in 2024 and instead, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris, a well-respected and accomplished politician, has been praised for her work on various issues, including immigration. However, the Republican party has quickly focused on her role in immigration policies, labeling her as a “border czar”.
At a recent House Rules Committee hearing, Republican Congressman Guy Reschenthaler from Pennsylvania accused the Biden administration of systematically dismantling former President Donald Trump’s strict border policies. He also claimed that Biden appointed Harris as the “border czar” just 64 days into his administration. The hearing was centered around an emergency resolution addressing the alleged failures of the border czar position and its negative impact on American citizens.
But the truth is, Harris was never appointed as a border czar. Immigration experts have clarified that her role in the Biden administration was to focus on reducing migration to the U.S. southern border and addressing the root causes of migration through diplomacy, development, and investment in collaboration with Central American nations. Theresa Cardinal Brown, senior adviser on immigration and border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, stated that Harris was never in charge of the border, and the responsibility fell under Homeland Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Additionally, the term “czar” is not a recognized title in the U.S. legal system and is often used as a shorthand for someone with broad authority to direct policy.
The issue of immigration has been a hot topic in recent years, and it has only intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Trump administration, the border was virtually closed to migrants, with strict health orders that allowed for the rapid expulsion of most migrants without giving them a chance to seek asylum. When President Biden took office in January 2021, expulsions continued, except for unaccompanied minors. Both Biden and Harris urged migrants not to come, but they still did, creating a political crisis for the new administration. In response, Biden tasked Harris with leading a “root causes” strategy that focused on improving living conditions in Central American countries to discourage people from leaving.
Since then, the Biden administration has made significant progress in terms of immigration policies. They have reunited families that were separated under the Trump administration and expanded legal immigration pathways, including increasing refugee admissions and creating a humanitarian program for migrants from Central America, Venezuela, and Haiti. While it is uncertain what Harris’ specific immigration policies will look like, immigration attorney Hector Quiroga believes that she will continue to follow Biden’s lead. However, he also noted that Harris’ stance on immigration has evolved over time, from a more diplomatic approach to a stricter tone and tougher message.
During her visit to Guatemala in 2021, Harris emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of illegal migration and the Biden administration’s commitment to helping improve living conditions in the region. However, she also issued a stern warning to potential migrants, stating, “Do not come. Do not come.” This shift in Harris’ immigration message has been noticed by many, and it reflects the administration’s efforts to deter people from attempting to cross the border illegally.
The Biden administration has been keen on highlighting the progress they have made at the border, with data showing a 29% decrease in illegal crossings from Mexico in June, the lowest number during Biden’s presidency. As the administration continues to work towards implementing effective immigration policies, it is clear that Harris will play a crucial role in this process. Her experience and dedication to addressing the root causes of migration make her a valuable asset in the fight for a fair and just immigration system.
In conclusion, while the Republican party may label Harris as a “border czar,” it is important to note that this is not an official title, and her role in the Biden administration is much more complex and multifaceted. Harris’ work on immigration, along with her many other responsibilities, reflects her commitment to serving the American people and finding solutions to complex issues. As we move forward, it is crucial to focus on facts and not political rhetoric, and to support our leaders in their efforts to create a fair and effective immigration system.
