Last week, when Vice President Harris accepted the candidacy for President at the DNC, it became evident that the Democratic Party is taking a troubling and increasingly dangerous direction on immigration. Today, she announced that she wants to continue to build Trump’s border wall. It’s time we address this.
In her acceptance speech, Vice President Harris highlighted her immigrant parents and envisioned a United States “for the people who work hard and chase their dreams.” However, when it came to policy, she not only failed to make a real commitment to immigrant communities, but she also doubled down on policies and language that echo far-right ideologies—prioritizing immigration enforcement in ways that promise more harm than protection.
The Realities of the Dems & Their Border Bill
We’re not suggesting that Democrats have ever been perfect. However, over the past two decades, they have shifted from a rhetoric centered on a path to citizenship—exemplified by former President Obama’s “we are a nation of laws, but we are also a nation of immigrants”—to becoming the party of border enforcement, thinly disguised as public safety.
This shift isn’t just disappointing; it’s dangerous. It puts countless lives at risk, validates narratives promoted by the far-right, and undermines the safety and security of immigrant communities and thousands of mixed-status households.
Vice President Harris’ promise during her DNC speech to bring back the border security bill and sign it into law translates to a more militarized and restrictive border policy, compromising the rights and freedoms of immigrants. Let’s be clear about what “security” means in the context of this new border bill:
- Increased Enforcement: More border patrol agents, increased funding for technological advances, and more resources funneled to ICE, including funds to add 50,000 more detention beds— a 47% increase from 2023.
- Asylum Restrictions: Tougher standards and procedures for asylum seekers, making it significantly harder for the most vulnerable to find refuge. This policy, framed as “closing loopholes,” effectively shuts the door on those who need safety the most.
- “Border Emergency Authority”: This rule activates when the number of people at the border hits a specific daily limit. It means many people can be sent back to their countries of origin without a chance to explain their need for asylum. And shockingly, it can happen at any time and is not required to be publicly announced.
What Now?
We understand the stakes. We recognize the dangers of a second Trump administration, and we are committed to fighting to ensure he is not re-elected. But we have a responsibility to fight for our community and push the Democratic party when they adopt harmful stances without accountability. It also makes it that much harder to convince our people to vote in November.
This strategy is weak and ineffective, perpetuating the very threats it claims to dismantle and playing directly into the hands of those who uphold white supremacy. Right now, we’re holding our ground, and we need you with us.
Regardless of what happens in November, we’re staying organized and preparing to hit the ground running. By mobilizing our people, educating voters, and building the skills of our base, we’re ensuring that the momentum in the fight for just and humane policies continues from day one.
Want to roll with Mijente and level up? Join us at Lánzate 2024 — the first major gathering of Latine changemakers from around the country and Puerto Rico after the election, and will be a great opportunity to figure out how we move forward no matter who is in the White House.