Harris calls for tighter border control, asylum restrictions

Speaking in Arizona's border town of Douglas, Harris pledges tougher measures for those crossing the border illegally

Democratic Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris visited the US-Mexico border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday, advocating for stricter asylum rules and emphasizing her commitment to halting the influx of fentanyl into the US.

During her first border visit of the campaign, Harris outlined her plans to address the "broken immigration system" and criticized former President Donald Trump for using immigration as a tool to divide Americans.

Speaking in the border town of Douglas, with a population of fewer than 17,000, Harris pledged tougher measures for those crossing the border illegally.

She emphasized the need for a secure border while promoting a more humane immigration system.

Harris called for an extension of the Biden administration's asylum ban on illegal crossings and promised to introduce more severe penalties for repeat violators.

Under her proposed policies, individuals who cross illegally would face immediate removal and be barred from re-entry for five years.

“Our goal is to create an immigration system that is both safe and orderly while maintaining a secure border,” Harris said.

“Those who break the law will face the consequences, but we must also provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other long-standing members of our communities.”

Harris's visit also focused on the drug crisis, particularly fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the US.

She vowed to make stopping the flow of fentanyl from Mexico a top priority, noting that US border authorities had intercepted more fentanyl in 2022 and 2023 than in the previous five years combined.

Harris called for an increase in resources to fight transnational criminal organizations, including hiring more Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, and immigration judges.

Harris's stance on immigration comes at a critical time. Arizona is a battleground state with a high Latino voter population, and immigration remains one of the top issues for voters nationwide. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 43% of voters preferred Trump’s stance on immigration, while 33% favored Harris.

In her remarks, Harris also criticized Trump for his handling of immigration issues and accused him of sabotaging a bipartisan bill that would have strengthened border security and curtailed drug trafficking.

She pledged to revive this legislation if elected and increase funding for anti-drug operations, particularly those targeting the global fentanyl supply chain.

Harris recently outlined her economic vision at the Economic Club of Pittsburgh, pledging tax credits for domestic manufacturers to retool factories and create "good union jobs."

She emphasized revitalizing the middle class by doubling registered apprenticeships and making significant investments in industries like biomanufacturing, AI, aerospace, and clean energy.

Harris also reaffirmed her support for Ukraine during a White House meeting with President Zelensky, criticizing Donald Trump's proposal for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia in exchange for peace.

Harris’s speech concluded with a call for balanced immigration reform that prioritizes both border security and humane treatment of immigrants.

"We must reject the false choice that pits safety against compassion," she stated, emphasizing her vision for a more just and effective immigration system.