ATLANTA — In a significant campaign rally held in Atlanta on July 30, 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed a crucial issue in her political strategy: the persistent surges in migration at the southern U.S. border during the Biden administration. This event marked a pivotal moment in her campaign as she confronted criticism surrounding her role in border security.
Republicans have labeled Harris a failed “border czar,” claiming she has done little to mitigate increased migration, despite President Biden assigning her the task of addressing the root causes of migration from Northern Triangle countries early in her vice presidency. Former President Donald Trump emphasized border security as a key policy, advocating for a wall along the southern border and implementing restrictions to curb immigration.
During her speech, Harris sought to reshape this narrative, portraying herself as a determined former attorney general from a border state who had firsthand experience battling transnational gangs and human trafficking. “I prosecuted them in case after case, and I won,” Harris stated, while simultaneously criticizing Trump’s border policies as ineffective.
Harris Pledges to Reinstate Border Security Legislation
Harris discussed the political challenges she faced shortly after taking office. With a directive from Biden to tackle the complex socio-economic issues driving Central Americans to seek asylum, her previous trips to Guatemala and Mexico drew criticism for not addressing U.S. border communities first.
In her address, Harris did not focus on her efforts regarding the root causes of migration but instead aligned with Biden’s focus on a proposed border security bill, which would allow for greater governmental authority in responding to migrant surges. Although some Republican senators initially supported the bill, they later backed away, citing Trump’s controversial influence on immigration policy.
As the election approaches, Harris emphasized her commitment to border security. “Donald Trump does not care about border security — he only cares about himself,” she asserted. “As president, I will bring back the border security bill that Donald Trump killed, and I will sign it into law, and show Donald Trump what real leadership looks like,” she added.
Addressing Inflation and Economic Concerns
In addition to migration issues, Harris also addressed inflation concerns for the first time in her campaign. Acknowledging that while the economy has shown signs of strength, many Americans are still feeling the pinch of high prices, she stated, “Prices are still too high: you know it and I know it.” She vowed to prioritize actions against price gouging, aiming to ban hidden fees and reduce unfair late charges.
Moreover, Harris promised to tackle the challenges posed by corporate landlords, with plans to cap rent increases and prescription drug prices while highlighting the need for affordable healthcare, childcare, and paid leave policies.
