As the 2020 presidential election approaches, the issue of immigration has become a hot topic for both Democrats and Republicans. With the current administration’s hardline stance on immigration, many Democratic candidates have been pushed to the left on the issue. However, Senator Kamala Harris has taken a different approach, choosing to tackle the issue from the right. While this strategy may seem unconventional, it has sparked controversy and criticism from prominent Democrats living near the US-Mexico border.
Harris, who has been vocal about her support for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and the protection of DACA recipients, has recently been pushing for increased border security and a tougher stance on illegal immigration. This shift in her stance has caused concern among Democrats living in border states, who feel that Harris is playing into the hands of right-wing propaganda about an ‘invasion’ at the border.
Instead of fighting against this harmful rhetoric, Harris’s campaign seems to be trying to outflank Republicans on immigration, a strategy that has been met with backlash from within her own party. Prominent Democrats living near the US-Mexico border, including Beto O’Rourke and Julian Castro, have urged Harris to change her course and return to a more progressive stance on immigration.
The shift in Harris’s stance on immigration has been evident in her recent interviews and speeches. In an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Harris stated that she would be open to increasing funding for border security, including physical barriers, and that she does not support the decriminalization of illegal border crossings. This statement, along with her past record as a prosecutor, has raised concerns among Democrats who fear that Harris is compromising her values for political gain.
However, Harris’s campaign team has defended her new stance, stating that she is simply trying to appeal to a wider range of voters and show that she is tough on immigration. They argue that her plan still includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and protection for DACA recipients, but also focuses on securing the border and addressing the root causes of migration.
While it is understandable that Harris wants to appeal to a broader audience, her shift to the right on immigration raises questions about her authenticity and commitment to progressive values. As Democrats, we must stand firm in our beliefs and not compromise them for political gain. This is especially important when it comes to issues as crucial as immigration, which affects millions of people’s lives.
Moreover, by trying to outflank Republicans on immigration, Harris is playing into their hands and giving legitimacy to their harmful rhetoric. The idea of an ‘invasion’ at the border is a dangerous and false narrative that has been used to justify policies such as family separations and the Muslim ban. By not actively fighting against this propaganda, Harris is allowing it to continue and potentially gain more traction.
The Democrats living near the US-Mexico border have firsthand experience with the effects of these policies and understand the importance of standing up for immigrant rights. Their concerns should not be dismissed, but rather taken into consideration by Harris and her campaign team. As O’Rourke stated in a recent interview, “We cannot meet this challenge with half-measures, or by trying to play it safe. We’ve got to be bold, and we’ve got to stand up for what we believe in.”
Harris has been a strong advocate for immigrant rights in the past, and it is not too late for her to return to a more progressive stance on immigration. She must listen to the voices of her fellow Democrats living near the border and recognize the harm that her current strategy could cause. Instead of trying to outflank Republicans, she should focus on dismantling their harmful narrative and proposing real solutions that prioritize human rights.
In conclusion, while Harris’s attempt to flank Republicans on immigration may seem like a strategic move, it goes against the core values of the Democratic party and has sparked concern among prominent Democrats living near the US-Mexico border. It is time for Harris to listen to her fellow Democrats and return to a more progressive stance on immigration. We cannot afford to compromise our values and play into right-wing propaganda. We must stand united and fight for a fair and just immigration system that treats all individuals with dignity and respect.
