Vice President Kamala Harris embarked on a tour of the US-Mexico border in Arizona, where she met with customs and border protection officials. Stepping out onto a dusty desert road, Harris shook hands with two agents and walked along the border wall, discussing efforts to combat traffickers and transnational criminal organizations. The section of the wall viewed was constructed during the Obama administration. While details of the conversation were not audible, a White House official mentioned that Harris had received insight from officials on their efforts at the border.
Harris’s visit to the border comes amidst a changing landscape, with a significant decrease in migrant crossings in recent months. However, the political rhetoric surrounding the border remains charged, with Harris criticizing Donald Trump’s handling of the border crisis. As Harris prepares to give a campaign speech in Douglas, Arizona, she is expected to call for a tougher approach at the border, aligning more closely with the Biden administration’s current immigration policies.
The global context of border issues was also highlighted, with wealthy democracies attempting to deter immigrants through increased surveillance and militarization, leading to more dangerous conditions for those seeking to cross. Despite these challenges, the issue of immigration remains divisive in the US, with recent polls showing a split between voters favoring Trump and Harris on the issue. As Harris continues her tour and address on immigration policy, the focus remains on finding a balance between enforcement measures and humane treatment of immigrants to strengthen the country.
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