Senator JD Vance has publicly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of backing a bill that he claims prioritizes amnesty over border security.
At a Glance
- JD Vance condemns Harris’s promoted legislation as a “mass amnesty bill.”
- The bill sets a cap of two million immigrants per year, according to Vance.
- Vance asserts the bill codifies “Catch and Release,” allowing asylum seekers lengthy stays.
- Opposition to the bill, Vance notes, is reportedly more bipartisan than its support.
Vance’s Criticism of the Legislation
Senator JD Vance has openly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for what he describes as her support for a “mass amnesty bill.” He contends that the legislation seeks to legalize up to two million immigrants each year before the border faces any shutdown. Vance has argued that the bill essentially codifies the “Catch and Release” policy, allowing asylum seekers to remain with work permits in the U.S. for periods that could extend up to 15 years.
Many, including Vance, argue that the proposal lacks genuine bipartisan backing, despite claims to the contrary. Notably, several Democrats reportedly opposed the legislation, leading Vance to assert that the opposition was more bipartisan than its support.
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) on Thursday accused Vice President Kamala Harris of importing voters through her administration’s immigration policies. https://t.co/lbNOgcbrgD
— CBS 13 News (@WGME) October 31, 2024
Concerns Over Border Policy
According to Vance, the bill promoted by Harris does not adequately address crucial border security elements, such as the border wall and the asylum parole system. He highlighted how the legislation limits the ability of future administrations, including one potentially led by Donald Trump, to reverse “Catch and Release” measures. Vance has also accused Harris of using the parole system extensively, further undermining border security efforts according to his assessment. “Sen. JD Vance is calling out legislation promoted by Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail that he says is a “mass amnesty bill” to effectively legalize illegal immigration to the United States.”
Critics, including Vance, have expressed concerns that the legislation offers insufficient support to Border Patrol and could complicate issues related to migrant encounters at borders, which have reached unprecedented numbers under the Biden-Harris administration.
Opposition Within Democratic Ranks
Vance has pointed out that not all Democrats have embraced Harris’s proposed bill, with several Senate Democrats and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus standing against it. In his view, this opposition underscores the bill’s inadequacies when it comes to genuine bipartisanship and effective border security. Vance supports this assertion by referencing the legislative approach that seemingly prioritizes integration of migrants into communities over efficient and timely deportation hearings.
Vance’s remarks underscore widespread unease over the Harris-backed proposal among policymakers, reflecting broader concerns over its ramifications for U.S. border policy.
Sources:
JD Vance Calls Out Kamala Harris for ‘Mass Amnesty Bill’ to Legalize Illegal Immigration
