Vice President Kamala Harris recently made her first visit to the U.S.-Mexico border as a 2024 presidential candidate, traveling to Douglas, Arizona. This trip highlights the critical role immigration will play in the upcoming election, not just in border states but across the nation.
Harris used the visit to directly confront former President Donald Trump on immigration issues. She criticized Trump for derailing a bipartisan immigration bill in Congress that would have reformed the asylum system and increased border patrol staffing. Meanwhile, Trump aims to link Harris to the record-high migrant apprehensions that have strained border resources during President Joe Biden’s term.
The vice president’s messaging goes beyond courting Arizona voters. Her remarks are designed to resonate with swing voters and
independents nationwide, including in key battleground states far from the southern border like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
In these Midwestern states, immigration ranks as a top concern for voters, particularly in rural and exurban areas where Democrats need to improve their performance to win statewide. Recent polling in Michigan showed immigration as the third most important issue overall, and the second most crucial topic for rural and small-town voters.
Harris emphasized her experience dealing with transnational criminal organizations as California’s attorney general. She presented herself as capable of balancing border security with humane immigration policies, stating, “I reject the false choice that suggests we must either choose between securing our border or creating a system of immigration that is safe, orderly and humane. We can and we must do both.”
This approach aims to appeal to voters who favor a bipartisan solution to immigration reform while still enforcing existing laws. It also seeks to differentiate Harris from Biden’s handling of border issues, which has been widely criticized.
Trump, whose 2016 campaign was largely built on his hardline immigration stance, continues to prioritize the issue. He has maintained a significant polling advantage on border security, though recent surveys suggest this lead may be narrowing.
An NBC News poll showed Trump with a 21-point lead over Harris among registered voters on border security, down from a 35-point advantage he previously held over Biden. This shift could prove crucial in closely contested states like Georgia and North Carolina, where Harris’ performance on immigration could make or break her White House bid.
The vice president’s border visit and subsequent messaging reflect a strategic effort to chip away at Trump’s perceived strength on immigration. By focusing on her law enforcement background and advocating for a balanced approach, Harris hopes to reassure voters in both border regions and interior states that she can effectively manage this complex issue.
As the election draws near, the immigration debate is likely to intensify. Both candidates will continue to refine their messaging, with Harris working to close the gap on what has historically been a strong issue for Trump. The outcome of this rhetorical battle could significantly influence voter preferences in key swing states, potentially determining the next occupant of the Oval Office.