Harris Pledges to Fix US Immigration, Trump Criticizes Move as Bad Timing

Post by : Omar Nasser

Photo : PTI

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has pledged to implement stricter security measures at the southern border while also working to overhaul what she describes as America's broken immigration system. Her remarks came in response to ongoing criticism from her Republican rival, Donald Trump, as the November election approaches.

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Harris made her comments during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday. The trip was aimed at providing her with a firsthand look at the current security situation and to reaffirm her commitment to addressing immigration issues head-on.

While advocating for enhanced border security, Harris emphasized her support for creating a "pathway to citizenship" for undocumented migrants living in the United States. "As President, I will work with Congress to create, at long last, a pathway to citizenship for hardworking immigrants who have been here for years," she stated, highlighting the need for reform that balances security with compassion.

Harris criticized former President Trump, claiming that political divisions have hindered progress on immigration reform. She pointed to the rising concerns about illegal immigration in recent years, particularly in light of record migrant crossings at the southern border. "Well, as President, I will put politics aside to fix our immigration system and find solutions to problems which have persisted for far too long. These issues are highly consequential for our nation," she asserted.

At 59, Harris is set to face off against the 78-year-old Trump in the upcoming presidential election on November 5. She framed the 2024 election as a clear choice between pragmatic solutions and political maneuvering, insisting that Trump’s presidency did not result in meaningful changes to immigration policy. "In the four years that Donald Trump was President, he did nothing to fix our broken immigration system. He did not solve the shortage of immigration judges and border agents or create lawful pathways into our nation. He did nothing to address our outdated asylum system. And did not work with other governments in our hemisphere to deal with what is clearly a regional challenge," she alleged.

Harris criticized Trump for what she described as a willingness to exploit problems rather than resolve them. "The American people deserve a President who cares more about border security than playing political games," she stated, underscoring her focus on solutions.

Drawing from her experience as the former Attorney General of California, a border state, Harris asserted her understanding of the importance of enforcing the law and securing the border. She outlined a plan to combat transnational criminal organizations involved in trafficking drugs and weapons. "We need to target the entire global fentanyl supply chain to significantly reduce the flow of precursor chemicals from China and protect Americans from the unimaginable destruction it is causing," she said.

Harris expressed her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by communities across the nation, emphasizing the need for effective solutions rather than scapegoating or mere rhetoric. "On behalf of all communities across our nation that want to see these problems solved, I say: We cannot accept Donald Trump's failure to lead," she remarked.

In response to Harris’s visit, Trump criticized her for appearing at the border after a long absence, claiming, "This is bad timing for Kamala to show up today at the border. She didn't go there for four years. Today, she shows up." He accused Harris of betraying her oath and failing to protect American cities from violent gangs.

Trump characterized her actions as detrimental to American communities, alleging that she has allowed cities to be overrun by crime and that she has failed to secure the nation’s borders. "What Kamala Harris has done is unforgivable. It's a crime what she did. There's no greater act of disloyalty than to extinguish the sovereignty of your own nation, and that's what she's done. She's ruined our nation," he claimed.

As the election draws nearer, the debate over immigration policy is expected to intensify, with both candidates making their cases. Harris’s commitment to both border security and a pathway to citizenship reflects her attempt to navigate a complex issue that remains at the forefront of American political discourse.