According to Daily Mail, the House passed a resolution Thursday condemning Vice President Kamala Harris as President Joe Biden's failed 'border czar.'
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., introduced the resolution on Monday, accusing Harris of leading the nation into a "catastrophic open border crisis." Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., echoed these sentiments, claiming Harris's inaction resulted in record-high illegal crossings and an overwhelmed border system. The measure, supported by all Republicans and six Democrats, criticizes Harris's handling of immigration issues since 2021.
In the aftermath of President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, Republican attacks have intensified against Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, who was appointed as the administration's 'border czar' in March 2021, has faced increasing criticism for the surge in illegal immigration under her watch. Since their administration took office, illegal immigration has surged to over 8 million crossings, with projections suggesting it could reach 10 million by September.
Vice President Harris's role in managing the U.S.-Mexico border has been a focal point of contention. Harris has only visited the border once, in June 2021, following a contentious interview with NBC News' Lester Holt. During the interview, Holt pointed out that Harris had not visited the border, to which she responded with a quip about not having been to Europe either.
Harris's progressive stance on immigration has long been a target for critics. Despite public sentiment favoring stricter immigration controls, Harris has advocated for more lenient policies. Her 2017 social media posts argued against labeling undocumented immigrants as criminals and questioned the feasibility of mass deportations.
The resolution condemning Harris highlights her perceived failure to address the border crisis. Retired Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz revealed in March that he had never had a conversation with Harris during his tenure. Current Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens has also reportedly never spoken with her.
The resolution passed with a vote of 220 to 196, including support from six Democrats. Republicans argue that Harris's leadership, or lack thereof, has exacerbated the border crisis, leading to unprecedented levels of illegal immigration and strain on border communities. The resolution marks a significant moment of bipartisan agreement on the issue.
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her role in managing the border crisis, attributing the situation to the policies under President Biden and Harris. Stefanik asserts that the current administration has neglected its essential responsibilities to secure the borders and safeguard American citizens.
Similarly, Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed disapproval of Harris's handling of border issues, highlighting the negative repercussions on American communities and law enforcement personnel. The approval of the resolution indicates a rising discontent with the administration's border security strategy among Republicans and even some Democrats.
Polling data indicates that immigration remains a top concern for American voters. A Harvard Harris poll from March found that immigration was the most pressing issue, surpassing even inflation and the economy. In June, another poll revealed that 62 percent of Americans supported mass deportations to address the influx of recent migrants.
Despite these sentiments, Harris's progressive approach to immigration has remained consistent. She has advocated for the humane treatment of migrants and criticized the notion of mass deportations as impractical.
The House resolution condemning Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the deep divisions over immigration policy in the United States. With President Biden stepping down from the presidential race, Harris has become a primary target for Republican criticism. The resolution's bipartisan support highlights the growing frustration with the administration's handling of the border crisis.
Harris's role as 'border czar' has been marked by record-breaking illegal immigration and significant political controversy. As immigration continues to be a top issue for voters, her performance in this role is likely to remain a contentious topic in the lead-up to the November election.
