Vice President Harris responded to concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Biden administration’s immigration strategy, especially with the uptick in border crossings, by emphasizing the ongoing improvements.
In a conversation with CBS anchor Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation,” Harris was questioned about the increased illegal border activity and whether this meant the current migration policies were ineffective. In response, Harris stated, “Not at all.”
She emphasized the need to focus on numerous challenges tied to irregular migration patterns, noting that such trends aren’t unique to America.
Recent statistics from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlighted a 33% rise in illegal border crossings in July compared to June. Nevertheless, the number of crossings saw a significant reduction after the Biden administration discontinued Title 42 in May, a policy implemented during the pandemic which enabled rapid refusal of migrants due to health concerns.
Regarding the observed fluctuations in the border crossing data, Harris commented, “We are witnessing improvements. However, consistent figures aren’t always guaranteed. Various factors, such as regional elections, can impact the numbers.”
The Vice President also highlighted that migration isn’t just a U.S. concern. Global reports suggest a rise in irregular migration, driven by factors such as the rise of authoritarian governments, severe climatic changes, and food scarcity.
Highlighting America’s need to understand and address these challenges, Harris emphasized, “Our focus should be on maintaining a secure, compassionate, and organized border policy while concurrently targeting the primary drivers of migration.”
When further questioned about the decrease in migration numbers over a two-month period, Harris reiterated that tackling root causes and bolstering U.S. investments in the involved nations benefits their economies and combats corruption, showcasing the effectiveness of their approach.
