In a recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris asserted the necessity for Congress to intervene in addressing issues at the southern border, claiming that current circumstances require legislative action to resolve the ongoing migration problems. However, this assertion has been deemed misleading. Contrary to the Vice President’s claims, comprehensive laws aimed at securing the U.S. southern border and curtailing illegal entry already exist. In fact, the Biden-Harris administration has taken significant steps since its inception in 2021 that have reversed many of the prior Trump administration’s immigration policies, an action that has arguably contributed to increased border challenges.
One of the most notable changes enacted by the current administration was the suspension of the Remain in Mexico policy within hours of taking office. This and other policy reversals have been cited as factors that have left the southern border more vulnerable to illegal crossings. Consequently, data indicates that a large number of those attempting to enter the country unlawfully are doing so without adequate checks or enforcement. As reported by Republican members of the House Committee on Homeland Security, nearly two million individuals evaded U.S. Border Patrol during this administration’s tenure, highlighting significant gaps in border control.
Furthermore, this increase in illegal crossings is compounded by the fact that the Biden-Harris administration has reportedly allowed a substantial number of criminal migrants to remain in U.S. communities. Recent statistics disclosed by House Republicans reveal that this includes tens of thousands of criminal suspects and individuals with serious convictions, such as convicted murderers. This leniency toward enforcement has led to a perception that the border policies currently in place are not effectively addressing the escalation of migration and related security concerns.
When pressed on the subject during her interview, Harris acknowledged the dramatic rise in undocumented immigrant arrivals during her administration and deflected the question about the potential errors in loosening immigration policies. She characterized the situation as a longstanding issue needing legislative resolution and expressed confidence that solutions were available, asserting that the Biden-Harris administration has been proactive in proposing those solutions. However, critics argue that those proposals have not materialized into effective policies to combat the current influx of migrants.
Amidst this backdrop, there are significant discrepancies in estimates regarding the illegal migrant population in the United States. Pew Research Center estimated it to be around 11 million by 2022, although some critics suggest that this figure is likely much underestimated, hinting at larger underlying issues within the immigration system that remain unaddressed. The divergence in these estimates further complicates the conversation about the effectiveness and implications of existing border policies.
Ultimately, while Vice President Harris calls for congressional action, the critique focuses on the contradictions between her statements and the actual legislative framework already in place. The assertion that more laws are needed overlooks the complex reality of immigration enforcement and the ramifications of policy choices made by the current administration. For many observers, it raises questions about accountability and the potential for more comprehensive reform that genuinely addresses the concerns at the southern border without compromising national security and community safety.
