As GOP Attacks Harris on Immigration, Here's What Her Record Shows
WASHINGTON — As Republicans intensify their attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, focusing on her role in the Biden administration’s border and immigration policies, a closer examination of her record reveals a more complex narrative. While Republicans have sought to paint her as ineffective in managing the surge of migrants, her involvement in the issue has been multifaceted and aimed at addressing the root causes of migration.
President Joe Biden did not assign Harris the title of "border czar" or the responsibility of overseeing enforcement policies at the U.S.-Mexico border, contrary to claims made by the Trump campaign. Instead, Harris was tasked with a prominent role in mitigating the impact of a record surge in global migration. Despite initial challenges, the number of migrants crossing the southern border has now dropped to its lowest levels since Biden and Harris took office.
Early in the administration, Harris faced criticism for her handling of the role, particularly her reluctance to visit the border. However, her efforts evolved into a strategic approach that included encouraging foreign investment in Central America. For instance, she facilitated a $10 million plant by a Japan-based auto parts company in Guatemala and pushed a Swiss-based coffee company to increase procurement in coffee-rich regions. These initiatives were part of a broader strategy to create economic opportunities in Central America, aiming to reduce the incentive for migration.
Harris also convened leaders from dozens of companies, helping to raise over $5 billion in private and public funds. According to Mark Schneider, a former senior official at the U.S. Agency for International Development, these investments were significant and linked to job creation. Jonathan Fantini-Porter, CEO of the Partnership for Central America, noted that these funds had already led to 30,000 jobs, with an additional 60,000 expected as new factories are constructed.
Furthermore, Harris pushed for regional cooperation, encouraging Central American governments to work with the United States to create a program where refugees could apply for protection within the region. This initiative aimed to address the root causes of migration by providing alternatives to the dangerous journey to the U.S. border.
Despite these efforts, critics argue that Harris' focus on the "Northern Triangle" countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador was insufficient, as migration patterns shifted to include countries like Haiti, Venezuela, and Cuba. However, experts like Ricardo Zúñiga, who served as the State Department’s special envoy for the Northern Triangle, highlight Harris' role in fostering dialogue and investment between Latin American and American business leaders.
In conclusion, while Republicans continue to target Harris over immigration, her record shows a concerted effort to address the complex and deeply rooted issues driving migration. Her approach, though not without challenges, has been aimed at long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes, reflecting a nuanced understanding of the migration crisis.