Kamala Harris, once a fierce critic of Donald Trump’s immigration policies and border wall, is making headlines with a significant reversal. Axios is reporting that she now supports a bipartisan border security bill that allocates hundreds of millions of dollars to continue constructing a wall along the southern border, a project she once deemed “un-American.” While this may appear to be a shift towards Trump’s controversial stance, it reflects a more nuanced and necessary adjustment in addressing one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
A Welcome Change for Democrats
It’s refreshing to see Democrats beginning to adjust their approach to the border issue, which has long been a political liability for the Biden administration. The lack of a coherent and effective border policy has plagued the party, leaving them vulnerable to attacks from Republicans and even moderate voters. Harris’ change of heart indicates that at least some Democrats are willing to face the reality that the U.S. needs stronger border controls—not to block immigrants but to ensure national security.
For far too long, border control has been portrayed as inherently anti-immigrant, a narrative that simply isn’t true. Having a secure border that the government can control is not just necessary, it’s responsible. National security is the foundation of every nation’s sovereignty. A country that cannot regulate who enters and exits is fundamentally insecure. Democrats, in embracing the need for controlled borders, are making a pragmatic and much-needed shift in tone.
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Trump’s Failure and Ugly Rhetoric
Despite this realignment, it’s essential to remember that Trump himself did a terrible job on immigration and border security. His administration broke up families and adopted policies that were, at their core, deeply inhumane. While the idea of a border wall isn’t inherently problematic, Trump’s handling of the issue and his xenophobic rhetoric made it a political lightning rod. The wall became a symbol of exclusion rather than a functional security measure.
Trump’s focus was narrow, and his immigration policy lacked the necessary nuance to effectively address the complexities of the border. He proposed a wall as a one-size-fits-all solution, ignoring the broader needs such as enhancing asylum processes, addressing the root causes of migration, and improving resources for border agents. While it’s true that a wall in key areas is necessary, relying solely on that as the solution is both simplistic and ineffective.
And of course – Trump continues to mislead on the border issue; CNN explains how Trump uses false and misleading data with one chart specifically:
What We Really Need for Border Control
To truly solve the border crisis, we need a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Fareed Zakaria, a well-regarded political analyst, has long pointed out the inadequacies of Trump’s border plan. In his CNN article titled “A Border Compromise to End the Stalemate,” Zakaria lays out a balanced framework for border security. He argues that walls alone won’t solve the problem, and that any effective immigration policy must combine physical barriers with technology, legal reform, and diplomacy. He said:
The Senate bill was a serious effort to solve many problems. It would have provided funding for a large increase in staff — more than 4,300 additional asylum officers and support staff and thousands of other new hires in immigration and security. It would have given asylum officers much greater authority to make quick determinations about peoples’ statuses.
It crucially would have shortened the five-to-seven year adjudication process to a first hearing within a target of 90 days and a final determination in another 90 days. And it would have given the government the authority to declare an emergency if the number of arrivals rose beyond certain thresholds, allowing it to turn people away. If the number rose above an average of 5,000 people a day over a week, that authority would have kicked in automatically.
Zakaria notes that in certain areas, physical barriers are not only practical but necessary. However, he points to the successes of other countries, like Israel, which supplement their walls with advanced surveillance and technologies, enabling border agents to monitor and address illegal crossings more effectively. He also highlights Germany, which has focused on streamlining its asylum process and creating legal pathways for migrants to enter the country. These countries demonstrate that the problem of immigration requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates smart technology and targeted policies—not just physical walls.
Zakaria emphasizes the need for increased funding for the U.S. immigration system to ensure it can handle the immense flow of migrants more humanely. This includes hiring more judges and lawyers to process asylum claims efficiently, as well as fostering partnerships with countries in Latin America to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and corruption.
Fareed explained the problem of how political asylum has been abused by would be immigrants in 2019:
Immigration Is Driving the U.S. Economy
The growth of immigration has been instrumental in driving the United States’ population and economic growth. Immigrants contribute significantly to the workforce, filling essential roles in various sectors such as technology, agriculture, and healthcare, which fuels economic expansion. According to a report by the Brookings Institution, immigrants account for nearly 17% of the labor force, helping to offset declining birth rates and ensuring continued population growth, which is critical for maintaining a robust economy. Additionally, a study by the American Immigration Council shows that immigrants are more likely to start businesses than native-born Americans, further stimulating innovation and job creation. Without immigration, the U.S. would face shrinking labor markets and slower economic progress, making the need for a thoughtful, well-regulated immigration system all the more urgent.
The Bottom Line: Moving Beyond the Wall
Harris’ decision to embrace a more hawkish border policy, including some wall funding, shows a recognition of the failures of both the current and previous administrations. But the shift should be welcomed cautiously, as the problem is not solved by simply building a wall. Comprehensive immigration reform must be prioritized.
In this complex issue, it is not enough to rely on outdated, exclusionary policies that isolate the U.S. from the rest of the world. We need forward-thinking strategies that protect our borders while upholding the principles that have always made America a beacon of hope for immigrants.
By shifting away from Trump’s rhetoric and moving toward a smarter, more comprehensive policy, Harris—and hopefully more Democrats—can demonstrate that they’re serious about border security while also standing for the humane treatment of migrants. There’s still a long way to go, but Harris’ shift signals that the tide may finally be turning.
Featured Image via Political Tribune gallery
