US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, 59, is set to visit the US-Mexico border on Friday, marking her first visit as the Democratic nominee, according to a White House announcement made Wednesday. Harris plans to travel to Douglas, Arizona, where she will discuss border security issues and advocate for what her campaign labels as “the toughest bipartisan border security plan in a generation.”
Immigration has emerged as a critical topic for both major political parties in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential election. During the first debate, candidates engaged in heated exchanges on this contentious issue.
A campaign aide noted that Harris’s strategy focuses on increasing the number of border agents and leveraging new technologies to tackle challenges such as fentanyl smuggling. The aide highlighted her background as a former attorney general from a border state, where she confronted international gangs and criminal organizations involved in trafficking drugs, firearms, and human beings, showcasing her long-standing commitment to border security.
Harris, who previously served as California’s attorney general, has positioned herself as an advocate for a secure and fair immigration system. Her aide emphasized that she believes in an immigration system that is secure, fair, orderly, and humane, contrasting sharply with the divisive politics associated with Donald Trump.
This trip occurs against the backdrop of ongoing illegal immigration issues, which remain a focal point in the upcoming November 5 election. Trump’s campaign has prioritized border control, consistently criticizing Harris’s approach to border policy.
In a recent CNN interview, Harris reiterated her dedication to enhancing border security, vowing to “enforce our laws” while also supporting comprehensive immigration reform. While she last visited the border in 2021, this marks her first trip in her role as the Democratic presidential candidate.
Immigration remains a top concern among voters, with a recent New York Times/Siena poll indicating that 54% of respondents believe Trump would manage immigration better, compared to 43% who favor Harris.
Earlier this year, Senate Republicans blocked a bipartisan border bill backed by Harris and President Joe Biden, who exited the presidential race on July 21 and endorsed Harris. Trump encouraged Republicans to oppose the bill, aiming to maintain immigration as a central campaign issue. Harris’s upcoming border visit highlights her commitment to addressing border security as a pivotal aspect of her presidential campaign.
