There’s at least one member of the Harris family who does not subscribe to the idea of open borders: Donald Harris, an esteemed professor emeritus at Stanford University. In a 1988 essay he co-authored, titled “Black Economic Progress: An Agenda for the 1990s,” he raised serious concerns about the impact of mass immigration on American workers, particularly low-skilled citizens.
At 86 years old, Harris remains a vocal critic of policies that favor unchecked immigration. In his treatise, he stated, “Trends in international trade have moved against U.S. workers,” highlighting how changes to immigration laws have led to an influx of low-skilled workers. He argued that this influx directly competes with native-born youths and low-skilled adults for available jobs. This competition, he noted, has been especially detrimental to African Americans, who make up a significant portion of the low-skilled workforce.
Interestingly, Harris’s views contrast sharply with those of his daughter, Vice President Kamala Harris, with whom he shares a strained relationship. Their discord dates back to his divorce from Kamala’s mother in 1972 and a contentious custody battle, underscoring the ideological divide within their family.
While far-left proponents often champion open borders, figures like Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders have expressed skepticism about such policies, labeling them as detrimental to the working class. Sanders once remarked that the idea of open borders would be a “Koch brothers proposal,” asserting it would harm American workers.
Vice President Harris, on the other hand, has been a strong advocate for pathways to citizenship for illegal immigrants, positioning this as a key element of her 2024 presidential campaign. The Biden-Harris administration’s proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021 aimed to grant legal status to millions of undocumented individuals living in the country.
As political consultant Shermichael Singleton articulated, the push for mass immigration exacerbates wage inequalities and intensifies competition for marginalized communities, particularly among African Americans. He argues that the needs and welfare of native-born citizens, especially those who have historically faced injustices, should take precedence. The challenges posed by illegal immigration extend beyond economic considerations; they are fundamental to the existential fabric of American society.
For Republicans, the focus must remain on policies that prioritize the American worker and uphold the rule of law, ensuring a fair labor market for all citizens. As we look towards the future, it’s essential to advocate for solutions that protect our citizens and foster genuine economic opportunity, rather than undermine it.