Vice President Kamala Harris faced questions about the Biden administration's border policies during an interview with CBS News' Bill Whitaker. Harris defended the administration's actions, citing bipartisan efforts and the need for congressional action on immigration reform.
In a tense exchange on the special election episode of "60 Minutes," CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker pressed Vice President Kamala Harris on whether the Biden administration made a "mistake" in relaxing border policies during its initial months.
Grilled on Border Record: Harris Defends Biden Administration's Policies
Whitaker pointed to a recent crackdown on asylum seekers, which resulted in a significant decrease in border crossings. He questioned why similar measures were not implemented earlier.
Harris responded by emphasizing the administration's consistent efforts to propose comprehensive immigration reform legislation to Congress, which were met with resistance from Republicans. She also highlighted a bipartisan bill that failed to pass due to opposition from former President Donald Trump.
Grilled on Border Record: Harris Defends Biden Administration's Policies
"We have been offering solutions from day one," Harris stated, adding that the administration's policy aims to address the long-standing problem of illegal immigration.
Whitaker persisted, asking if it was a "mistake" to allow the influx of migrants. Harris reiterated the administration's focus on proposing solutions rather than promoting problems.
Grilled on Border Record: Harris Defends Biden Administration's Policies
Whitaker noted the significant increase in illegal border crossings during the first three years of the Biden administration. Harris responded by emphasizing the recent reduction in crossings and the administration's efforts to reduce the flow of fentanyl.
She stressed the need for congressional action to address the root causes of illegal immigration, such as violence and poverty in Central America.
Grilled on Border Record: Harris Defends Biden Administration's Policies
Whitaker inquired again about whether it was a mistake to loosen border policies initially. Harris maintained that the administration's policies are aimed at fixing the problem, not exacerbating it.
Despite Whitaker's attempts to elicit a direct acknowledgment of a potential mistake, Harris remained steadfast in her defense of the administration's actions. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to reduce illegal immigration and the need for bipartisan cooperation on comprehensive reform.
The exchange highlighted the ongoing debate over the Biden administration's border policies, with critics arguing that a more stringent approach should have been taken earlier and others advocating for a more humanitarian response. Harris's defense of the administration's actions is likely to be met with mixed reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.
