During a recent CNN town hall, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies and the timing of executive actions taken at the border. Harris explained that the administration opted to work collaboratively with Congress for a long-term legislative solution rather than relying solely on executive measures. This decision resulted in months of negotiations without successful passage of immigration reform bills. Harris defended this approach, arguing that it was the right course of action despite mounting pressures that saw record border crossings in previous years.
Host Anderson Cooper questioned Harris about the administration’s delay in implementing executive actions until mid-2024, given the increasing number of border crossings in 2022 and 2023. He pointed out that while hundreds of executive actions were taken, they did not substantially reduce illegal immigration. In her response, Harris admitted that they had finally managed to cut the flow of immigration by over half but maintained that the administration was pursuing a comprehensive strategy rather than a backup plan of temporary fixes.
Cooper pressed further, asking why the administration did not implement such effective executive measures earlier. Harris argued that working with Congress was essential for achieving a more stable, long-term resolution to the immigration issues facing the U.S. She emphasized that a permanent solution would require bipartisan cooperation for allocating necessary resources and making systemic changes.
Harris elaborated on the challenges faced by border agents, noting that they require additional judges to process asylum claims and more personnel to handle the workload effectively. This input from border officials underscored her argument that Congressional action is vital to addressing the underlying issues at the border. She asserted that statistics indicated a decrease in illegal immigration compared to the final days of the Trump administration, showcasing some success in their management of the border situation.
When Cooper asked if she wished the administration had executed the actions earlier, Harris reiterated her belief that they had made the right decision in their approach of prioritizing Congressional dialogue. She expressed her commitment to working across the aisle to resolve the long-standing border challenges, acknowledging the bipartisan demand for action from the American public. This remark highlighted a call for unity and cooperation in tackling what she described as a complex issue requiring collective effort.
In conclusion, Harris emphasized that while executive actions were indeed necessary at certain points, the goal remains a comprehensive, lasting solution that can only come through cooperation with Congress. By addressing infrastructure at the border, enhancing judicial processes, and gathering resources, the Biden-Harris administration aims to create a functional system that endures beyond temporary measures. This sentiment encapsulates Harris’s belief in the need for collaboration to foster sustainable improvements in immigration policy.
