Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to prioritize a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally, setting up a sharp contrast with former President Trump as immigration becomes a pivotal issue in the 2024 election.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed her commitment to a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living in the U.S. illegally during an interview on MSNBC’s *José Díaz-Balart Reports* on Wednesday. With immigration taking center stage in the 2024 campaign, Harris emphasized that her administration would prioritize humane immigration reforms if elected.
Telemundo host Julio Vaqueiro pressed Harris on her stance, pointing out that discussions around immigration have largely focused on border security, with no prominent Democrat speaking about citizenship pathways. Harris was quick to respond, "I am. I am talking about it," stressing the importance of addressing the broader issue beyond just security measures.
In the interview, Harris highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the U.S., stating, "America is a country that was built in part by immigrants." She also reaffirmed her opposition to mass deportations, advocating for what she called "smart, humane immigration policy," which includes securing the border while creating a path for those already in the country to attain legal status.
Harris’s position contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump, who has made immigration a central issue of his campaign, going as far as saying it might be more important than the economy. Trump’s policies, which focused on stricter border enforcement and deportations, continue to shape the debate, even as Harris defends the need for balanced reforms that incorporate both security and citizenship pathways.
Harris’s push for a pathway to citizenship is expected to be a cornerstone of her immigration platform as she continues her bid for the White House.
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