Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris recently made her first visit to the US-Mexico border as part of her 2024 presidential campaign. During her visit, she emphasized the need for tighter asylum restrictions and pledged to prioritize stopping the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Ms. Harris criticized her rival, Donald Trump, accusing him of stoking fear and division regarding immigrants’ impact on American society. The issue of immigration is crucial in states like Arizona, where Latino voters play a significant role in elections.
The influx of migrants crossing the border illegally has reached record levels during President Joe Biden’s administration, leading to calls for more stringent border controls. Ms. Harris also focused on the need to combat the distribution of fentanyl, a deadly drug responsible for a rise in overdoses.
During her visit, Ms. Harris engaged with Customs and Border Protection officials and inspected border barriers constructed in previous administrations. She outlined plans to enhance enforcement measures and disrupt the global supply chain of fentanyl.
As the issue of immigration continues to shape political discourse in the US, both Ms. Harris and Mr. Trump have presented contrasting views on the matter. Public opinion remains split on immigration policies, reflecting broader concerns about economic, social, and cultural implications of immigration.