Since President Biden announced that he would not be running for reelection, Vice President Kamala Harris seems to be the shoe-in for the democratic nominee. Harris’ role and actions as Vice President are under intense scrutiny, as they will likely influence her candidacy. Her handling of the migration issue, among other responsibilities, will be a crucial factor in shaping public perception and support for her potential presidential run.
In 2021, President Biden assigned Vice President Kamala Harris the critical task of addressing the root causes of migration from Latin American countries. This initiative was aimed at tackling the long-standing issues that drive people to leave their homes and seek refuge in the United States.
One of the most notable actions Harris took early on was issuing a stern warning to potential migrants, in a 2021 speech she stated, “I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border: Do not come, do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border.” This statement was met with significant criticism from many Democrats who believed it was a harsh and ineffective deterrent.
Despite the criticism, Harris has been proactive in addressing the underlying issues causing migration. In March, she announced over $1 billion in aid to address the root causes of migration and create economic opportunities in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. This brought the total amount of commitments to $5.2 billion since May 2021. The funding aims to improve living conditions and reduce the necessity for people to flee their countries in search of better opportunities.
A key part of Harris’ strategy has been to encourage companies to invest in Central America. By promoting democracy and development through diplomacy, she hopes to create stable and prosperous environments that will deter migration. These efforts are intended to be a long-term solution to a deeply rooted problem, focusing on improving the socio-economic conditions in the migrants’ home countries.
In addition to economic initiatives, Harris has supported a bipartisan border security deal aimed at reducing border crossings. However, the bill has faced significant challenges, having been rejected twice this year due to opposition from Republicans and divisions with the Democratic party.
Vice President Harris’ approach to migration involves a complex mix of deterrence, economic aid, and diplomatic efforts. While her policies have faced criticism and political obstacles, they represent a comprehensive attempt to address the multifaceted issue of migration at its source.
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