Kamala Harris's handling of the southern border is becoming a major liability for Democrats as Republicans prepare to use it as a central attack line in the upcoming midterm elections.
The dizzying ascent of Vice President Kamala Harris to the second-highest office in the land has been marked by several historic firsts, but for those living in Texas, one stands out above the rest: her role as the nation's first "border czar."
This title, though unofficial, was bestowed upon Harris by President Joe Biden in March 2021 when he tasked her with leading efforts to stem the flow of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, despite her high-profile assignment, Harris's record on immigration has been widely criticized by Republicans and even some Democrats.
Kamala Harris's Border Strategy Haunts Democrats as GOP Previews General Election Attack
According to official data, there have been over 8 million encounters at the southwest border since Biden and Harris took office. This staggering number represents a significant increase from previous years and includes more than 460,000 individuals from over 77 countries who have been paroled into the United States.
Critics argue that Harris's lack of experience in immigration matters, coupled with her support for progressive policies such as decriminalizing illegal border crossings, has contributed to the current border crisis. They point to the rise in fentanyl-related deaths, increased crime rates in border communities, and the growing homeless population as evidence of her failed leadership.
Kamala Harris's Border Strategy Haunts Democrats as GOP Previews General Election Attack
Among those who have denounced Harris's border record is Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who declared at the Republican National Convention that "never before has an election mattered as much as it does now, when we are facing an invasion on our southern border."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott echoed Cruz's sentiments, emphasizing that "a president's most sacred duty is to secure our country." He argued that the United States needs a president who will prioritize border security.
Kamala Harris's Border Strategy Haunts Democrats as GOP Previews General Election Attack
The Republican Party is expected to make Harris's border record a central attack point in the upcoming midterm elections. They believe that by linking Democrats to Harris's perceived failures on immigration, they can sway voters to their side.
Some Democrats have expressed concerns about the political fallout from Harris's border policies. In late July, a handful of Democrats joined Republicans in voting to censure Harris for her handling of the immigration crisis.
Kamala Harris's Border Strategy Haunts Democrats as GOP Previews General Election Attack
As Harris prepares for a potential presidential run in 2024, her record on immigration will likely continue to be a major liability. The issue is particularly salient in border states like Texas, where residents have firsthand experience with the consequences of the Biden-Harris administration's policies.
Whether Harris can overcome her critics and emerge as a credible presidential candidate remains to be seen. However, it is clear that her border record will be a key factor in determining her political future.
