Kamala Harris Supporters Demand Tougher Immigration Policies。
Recent polling for Newsweek reveals that a significant number of Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters are advocating for stricter measures to combat illegal immigration. This comes as many Americans feel that the U.S. has lost control over its southern border.
Immigration Concerns Leading Up to 2024 Election
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, immigration has emerged as a key issue for voters. The latest poll shows that 68% of Americans believe the federal government should adopt a tougher stance on immigration, up from 62% in July 2023. Only 10% oppose this hardline approach, indicating a growing consensus across party lines.
Among those planning to vote for Donald Trump, 87% support stricter immigration policies. Surprisingly, a majority of Harris supporters—53%—also favor a hardline approach, although this figure has declined from 58% in September.
Poll Details
This polling data, conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for Newsweek, includes responses from 34,800 eligible voters over 19 polls between July 2023 and October 2024. Topics addressed include immigration, abortion, and the war in Ukraine.
Republican Rep. Mark Green, chair of the Homeland Security Committee, expressed that it is “no surprise” Americans are demanding tougher immigration controls.
Bipartisan Solutions Ignored?
Political science professor Brad Jones from UC Davis noted that calls for hardline measures would likely have been addressed had a bipartisan border security bill passed earlier this year. He argues that former President Trump capitalized on fears regarding undocumented immigrants to bolster his campaign, effectively blocking meaningful legislation.
Harris’s Evolving Stance on Immigration
Kamala Harris’s immigration policies have shifted over time. While she has supported some stringent measures, she has also pushed for reforms that promote fairness and humane treatment. Harris has championed comprehensive immigration reform aimed at creating pathways to citizenship and has advocated for protections under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
She has criticized Trump-era policies, including family separations and the border wall, and has pledged to revive bipartisan efforts for border security.
Public Perception of Border Control
Polling data indicates a pervasive belief among Americans that the federal government has lost control over the borders. Between 58% and 68% have affirmed this sentiment over the past 16 months, peaking in February 2024. In October 2024, 63% responded affirmatively, while only 27% expressed confidence in the Biden-Harris administration’s border management.
This perception spans demographics, but political affiliation significantly impacts views. About 80% of Trump voters believe the U.S. lacks control over its borders. Conversely, Harris supporters are divided, with roughly half believing in the government’s ability to manage border security.
Increasing Pressure on the Democratic Party
Philip van Scheltinga, director of research at Redfield & Wilton Strategies, pointed out that dissatisfaction among Democratic voters regarding the current immigration situation signals a need for the party to reevaluate its position.
Jones added that Republicans have successfully framed the narrative around border issues, leading many Democrats to also believe that the border is out of control. Trump’s emphasis on immigration crime, despite evidence showing immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S. citizens, has further fueled this perception.
As the election draws nearer, immigration is set to remain a central topic. Both major parties face pressure to adopt more stringent immigration policies, challenging candidates like Harris to balance the demands of their supporters while appealing to a wider electorate.
In summary, Americans are increasingly critical of the government’s handling of immigration. Many seek tougher actions to secure the nation’s borders, a sentiment that transcends political lines and is likely to shape the upcoming election.
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