Walz Claims Harris Opposes Health Care and Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has stated that Vice President Kamala Harris no longer supports allowing undocumented immigrants to qualify for government health care, free tuition at state universities, and driver’s licenses. This marks a shift from her previous positions.
When asked whether Harris had changed her stance or if Walz had miscommunicated during a Sunday interview, her campaign did not provide a response.
Significance of the Statement
Since announcing her presidential campaign in July, Harris has distanced herself from several progressive views, particularly concerning immigration. Millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are generally excluded from federal health care and financial aid programs. Walz’s remarks suggest that under a Harris administration, these restrictions would remain unchanged.
Context of the Comments
On “Fox News Sunday,” host Shannon Bream questioned Walz about his achievements as governor. She cited a Wall Street Journal article stating that Walz signed legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses, qualify for free tuition at state universities, and enroll in Minnesota’s low-income health care program. In response, Walz stated, “That’s not the vice president’s position.”
However, Harris has previously expressed her opposition to excluding undocumented immigrants from these programs. During her 2019 presidential campaign, she affirmed, “I am opposed to any policy that would deny in our country any human being access to public safety, public education, or public health, period.”
Changing Stance on Immigration
Harris has recently adopted a tougher stance on some immigration issues, such as asylum policies. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has promised to implement stringent measures against undocumented immigrants, including mass deportations.
Previous Support for Undocumented Immigrants
In her 2019 campaign, Harris asserted her support for government health care programs that included undocumented immigrants. As California’s attorney general, she played a key role in ensuring undocumented residents could obtain driver’s licenses after a law was enacted in 2014. Additionally, she commended California universities for providing emergency relief to undocumented students known as “Dreamers” during the Trump administration’s denial of financial support for these individuals.
According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, 25 states and Washington, D.C. allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition, while 19 states and D.C. offer them access to state financial aid.
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