Kamala Harris sparked controversy in 2017 by suggesting that Americans should hold off on celebrating Christmas until permanent protections for certain undocumented immigrants were secured, a comment that has resurfaced amid current immigration debates.
In December 2017, then-Senator Kamala Harris stirred controversy by suggesting that Americans should refrain from saying "Merry Christmas" until permanent protections were established for certain undocumented immigrants. The remarks came during a press conference addressing the Trump administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which had protected some young immigrants from deportation.
Harris, speaking at a press conference after President Trump announced the end of DACA, argued that celebrating Christmas was inappropriate while such protections were still in limbo. “And when we all sing happy tunes, and sing Merry Christmas, and wish each other Merry Christmas, these children are not going to have a Merry Christmas. How dare we speak Merry Christmas. How dare we?” she said, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Her comments were part of a broader push for the Dream Act, which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors. Harris criticized the decision to end DACA, calling it “morally wrong” and emphasizing the urgency of resolving the issue. “They don’t know if they will be here in a matter of days, weeks, and months,” she stated. “Since Sept. 5, over 12,000 have lost their status… And for that reason, we must get this done, and we must get it done before the end of this year. No January, no February, no March, now.”
As a presidential candidate and later as vice president, Harris has advocated for a broader pathway to citizenship, including for immigrants who came as children, farm workers, and Temporary Protected Status recipients. The Biden administration introduced a comprehensive immigration reform bill on its first day, which includes such provisions. However, the proposal has faced resistance from Republicans, particularly amid ongoing border issues.
Harris has faced criticism for her role in the administration’s border outreach efforts, with former President Trump accusing her of failing to secure the border and contributing to migrant-related crime. "Kamala Harris was appointed border czar, as you know, in March 2021, and since that time, millions and millions of illegal aliens have invaded our country,” Trump said in a recent press call.
In response, Harris campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz defended her record, criticizing Trump’s border policies and asserting that Harris is committed to finding real solutions. “The only ‘plan’ Donald Trump has to secure our border is ripping mothers from their children and a few xenophobic placards at the Republican National Convention,” Munoz said. “There’s only one candidate in this race who will fight for real solutions to help secure our nation’s border, and that’s Vice President Harris.”
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