Kamala Harris' Immigration Strategy

In March 2021, President Joe Biden assigned Vice President Kamala Harris to tackle the "root causes" of migration from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Harris' mandate was not focused on U.S.-Mexico border policy but rather on addressing economic instability, corruption, and violence in these Northern Triangle countries.

Harris' strategy involved high-level negotiations with foreign governments, businesses, and local organizations. As a result, over $5 billion in regional investment was secured from major companies like Apple and Starbucks. These investments targeted critical sectors such as financial inclusion, healthcare, climate finance, and affordable housing in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Under Harris' guidance, the Biden administration resumed aid to Northern Triangle countries, initially cut by the Trump administration, to foster economic opportunities and combat gang violence. Harris also supported reformers such as Guatemala’s newly elected president, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform. Additionally, she launched an anti-corruption task force with the Justice Department focused on these regions.

Harris’ efforts have led to significant achievements, including connecting more than 4.5 million people to the internet and integrating over 2.5 million people into the formal financial system. The administration is also on track to fulfill its $4 billion commitment to Central America over four years. Notably, immigration from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras has dropped from 86,089 in March 2021 to 25,015 in June 2024.

Despite these successes, Harris faced criticism. Public efforts on migration root causes largely ceased within months, and her "Root Causes Strategy" did not include new financial commitments, even as countries like Mexico requested more investment. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador criticized the private investment strategy as too slow in May 2022.

A YouGov poll in late July showed only 30% of voters trusted Harris over Donald Trump on immigration. Trump has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the situation at the southern border as the "largest invasion in history." The Republican National Committee also inaccurately labeled Harris as the "border czar," despite her role not covering U.S.-Mexico border policy.

Criticism from various quarters included the Border Patrol union's claim that Harris failed to deliver on her immigration-related tasks. Theresa Cardinal Brown from the Bipartisan Policy Center clarified that Harris was not in charge of the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks on Harris' record began long before Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 campaign.

Harris' diplomatic engagements included attending the inauguration of Honduran President Xiomara Castro to discuss combating corruption and gender-based violence. She held meetings in Washington with Mexican President López Obrador in July 2022 and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo in March.

The establishment of "safe mobility centers" in Central and South America, starting in Guatemala, was a significant achievement noted by Cecilia Muñoz. However, setting up migration offices involved multiple countries and international organizations, adding complexity to the initiative.

Experts like Jason Marczak from the Atlantic Council emphasized that the root causes of migration have been developing over decades. Harris' engagement with Indigenous women and focus on women's empowerment during her Guatemala trip were highlighted by Marshall Fitz. Vicki Gass pointed out Harris' concern about gender-based violence and issues affecting children and youth in Central America but expressed skepticism about the impact of corporate investments on true economic development.

The surge of migrants also includes significant numbers from South American countries and the Caribbean, driven by different forces. The U.S. immigration system's inability to handle large numbers of asylum seekers, especially women and children, underscores the need for legislative reforms.

Harris' initiatives, including supporting reformers and launching an anti-corruption task force, have made strides in addressing migration's root causes. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to fulfilling its $4 billion pledge to Central America, with notable decreases in immigration from the Northern Triangle. However, Harris' role and approach continue to be subjects of political debate and scrutiny.

Conservative Bias:

Well, folks, here we go again with the liberal charade. Kamala Harris' so-called "Immigration Strategy" is nothing more than a smoke and mirrors act to cover up the disastrous policies of the Biden administration. They want you to believe that Harris is some kind of savior, swooping in to solve the problems in Central America. But let's get real: the root causes of migration are not going to be fixed by throwing billions of taxpayer dollars at corrupt governments and failed states. The liberals are too busy pandering to their corporate cronies at Apple and Starbucks, securing over $5 billion in investments that do nothing but line the pockets of the elite while the average American suffers. And what about the border? Harris isn't even dealing with the U.S.-Mexico border crisis, the real issue at hand. Instead, she's off on some wild goose chase in Guatemala and Honduras, while illegal immigrants continue to flood into our country. The YouGov poll showing only 30% of voters trust her over Trump on immigration? That's no surprise. The American people see through the lies and incompetence. The so-called "Root Causes Strategy" is a joke, with no new financial commitments and public efforts that fizzled out within months. Even Mexico's President criticized the slow pace of private investment. The Border Patrol union is right: Harris has utterly failed in her tasks. This administration is a disaster, and it's time we put America first again.

Liberal Bias:

Once again, we're witnessing the catastrophic consequences of Republican obstructionism and their relentless campaign to sabotage any meaningful progress. Kamala Harris' immigration strategy, despite facing monumental hurdles, has made significant strides in addressing the root causes of migration. Yet, what do we get from the GOP? Lies, misinformation, and a refusal to acknowledge any success that doesn't fit their narrow, xenophobic agenda. The Trump administration's reckless cuts to aid in the Northern Triangle exacerbated the very conditions that drive migration. Now, Harris is working tirelessly to clean up the mess, securing over $5 billion in regional investments and re-establishing aid to foster economic opportunities and combat gang violence. But Republicans, with their usual disdain for facts, continue to mislabel her as the "border czar" and spew baseless accusations. The YouGov poll? It's a reflection of the GOP's relentless smear campaign, not Harris' effectiveness. The Border Patrol union's claims are a distraction from the real issue: the GOP's refusal to support comprehensive immigration reform. Harris' diplomatic efforts, from attending inaugurations to launching anti-corruption task forces, are steps in the right direction. But Republicans would rather see her fail than admit that their draconian policies are the real problem. It's time to stop the partisan games and support real solutions for the immigration crisis. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to this cause, and it's high time the GOP got on board or got out of the way.