Recently, Vice President Kamala Harris went on her first foreign trip as Vice President to Guatemala and Mexico and many people are questioning the goal of the trip and the comments made by Vice President Harris.
Immigration is one area that this administration was heavily focused on during the elections, and even though some policies changes have been made, many voters have expected more out of the Biden administration in helping solve the crisis at the border. This is why when Vice President Harris announced that she was going to Guatemala and Mexico to address the root cause of undocumented immigrants, people were curious as to what this meant. However, many people were discouraged by the Vice President’s remarks and saw some of her responses as tone deaf.
At one point during the visit, Vice President Harris told asylum seekers from Guatemala, “Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border.” This statement was regarded by some as very harsh and demonstrates how the Biden administration is still keeping a very strict stance on immigration and is using the same language as previous administrations. Furthermore, Vice President Harris also brushed off critics who questioned why she did not visit the southern border earlier when she replied, “And I haven’t been to Europe. I don’t understand the point you’re making.” This one comment set off many people because she clearly knew the point she was making, yet wanted to deflect.
Additionally, many are confused on what was meant by Vice President Harris wanting to address the root causes of immigration, when in actuality, the U.S.-led destabilization in the Central American area over the past half century is one of the largest reasons as to why. These comments have led many to question whether or not the Biden administration will change the course of immigration policies of his predecessors or continue on the same path.
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