In a candid interview with Telemundo, Vice President Kamala Harris openly admitted her support for mass amnesty, signaling a controversial stance on the pressing issue of illegal immigration. As the Biden administration grapples with record-breaking border crossings, Harris’s remarks have reignited the debate over immigration policy and border security in the U.S.
During the interview, Telemundo host Julio Vaqueiro pressed Harris on a topic that has long been a sticking point for Democrats—how to address the growing number of illegal immigrants. His question pointed out that many Democrats, while discussing border security, often avoid discussing a pathway to citizenship for immigrants.
Harris Speaks on Immigration Policy
“Right now, we’re talking about border security, and there’s nobody, no Democrat, talking about pathway to citizenship, immigration relief, benefits that migrants bring to this country,” Vaqueiro stated.
In response, Harris firmly declared, “I am. I am talking about it. … There’s no question that … migrants bring — America is a country that was built in part by immigrants.”
Her comments underscored her stance on the issue, aligning her administration with the belief that immigration has contributed to the nation’s foundation. However, critics argue that the current administration’s approach has failed to properly secure the border, allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to enter.
A Call for “Smart, Humane” Immigration Reform
As the conversation shifted to former President Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations, Harris made it clear she does not support such drastic measures.
“We need smart, humane immigration policy that includes a pathway to citizenship,” Harris asserted.
She also acknowledged the importance of strengthening border security, stating that more resources are required “in terms of security” at the southern border.
Border Crisis by the Numbers
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently released the data for illegal immigrant encounters at the southern border for fiscal year 2024, which ended in early October. The figures revealed that U.S. Border Patrol encountered over 1.5 million illegal immigrants, a slight decrease from the 2 million recorded the previous fiscal year.
Although the numbers have dropped, the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to reduce illegal crossings through an expanded parole program—once reserved for case-by-case situations—has drawn sharp criticism. The administration has been accused of using this program to allow thousands of people into the country daily, regardless of the strength of their cases, with the goal of alleviating the visual impact of overcrowded border crossings.
Election Looms as Crossings Surge Again
Despite these measures, border crossings in certain areas, particularly around Eagle Pass, Texas, have begun to increase once again. Many illegal immigrants are attempting to enter the U.S. before the upcoming presidential election, fearing that immigration policies could tighten in the future.
As the election nears, the debate over immigration reform and border security is certain to intensify, with Vice President Harris’s comments likely to be at the center of the discussion.
