In a recent interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Vice President Kamala Harris faced pointed questions about immigration, a critical issue as the nation approaches the November elections. Baier opened the discussion by asking Harris to quantify the number of immigrants who have crossed the southern border during President Biden’s tenure, a staggering figure that Harris acknowledged, yet struggled to address comprehensively.
Baier pressed Harris on the Biden team’s choice to end the “Remain in Mexico” policy, a measure put in place by the Trump administration that required asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims were processed. Despite the Biden administration’s early promises to tackle immigration reform, the proposed legislation failed to gain traction in Congress, even with a Democratic majority in both the House and Senate.
Harris emphasized that immigration remains a national priority, asserting that the administration has been focused on “fixing the problem.” However, Baier highlighted that many Americans see a crisis at the border, particularly given the rising number of illegal crossings and the recent tragic cases involving individuals allegedly harmed by illegal immigrants. He pointedly asked Harris if she owed families of victims, such as Rachel Nungaray and Laken Riley, an apology. Harris acknowledged the grief of these families but pivoted to blame the lack of a passed border security bill, suggesting that timely legislation could have made a difference.
As the election looms, immigration remains a key battleground issue, with former President Trump gaining ground among voters who trust him more on border security. Trump has promised aggressive measures, including mass deportations and a crackdown on protected statuses for certain groups. His portrayal of Harris as the ineffective “border czar” underscores the stark contrast between their approaches.
A recent poll indicates that 52% of voters in key battleground states believe Trump would handle immigration better than Harris, emphasizing the urgency and importance of this issue as voters head to the polls. The upcoming election will not only decide the presidency but will also set the course for how America addresses its immigration challenges moving forward.