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During her address in Douglas, Arizona, Harris underscored the necessity for stronger border security, asserting, "The American people deserve a president who cares more about border security than playing political games." [Mary Ann Akers, The Daily Beast] This statement encapsulates her commitment to addressing the growing concerns surrounding immigration while simultaneously countering Trump's narrative, which posits that the Biden administration has inadequately managed border security.
Harris is anticipated to advocate for increased resources for Border Patrol agents as well as more stringent asylum processes, declaring, "I reject the false choice that suggests we must choose between securing the border and creating a system of immigration that is secure, orderly and humane." [Jackie Defusco, WESH 2 Orlando] By presenting herself as a candidate capable of balancing security with compassion, Harris aims to reshape the immigration discourse in her favor.
Furthermore, she intends to introduce a proposal that would complicate the Biden administration's ability to lift emergency restrictions on asylum claims. Her emphasis on combating fentanyl smuggling, which she identified as a "top priority," [Mary Ann Akers, The Daily Beast] serves as part of her broader strategy to demonstrate her commitment to addressing drug trafficking, a concern that resonates deeply with many voters.
Despite her efforts, Harris confronts a formidable challenge, as immigration continues to pose a political vulnerability for Democrats. Recent polling reveals that "58% of likely voters consider the U.S.-Mexico border a major factor in deciding who they will vote for," [Camilo Montoya-Galvez & Nidia Cavazos, CBS News] with many expressing a preference for Trump's approach to border security. This statistic underscores the uphill battle Harris must navigate as she endeavors to restore voters' confidence on this crucial issue.
Trump has seized the opportunity to exploit this weakness, branding the border crisis as "the worst in the history of the world" and attributing its intensification to Harris's actions. His strategy aims to portray her as ineffective, a narrative that resonates with a significant portion of the electorate prioritizing border security.
As Harris strives to pivot the narrative, she must grapple with the reality that "immigration, a growing issue for voters, has been a weak area for Democrats and Harris." [Joey Garrison & Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY] This acknowledgment of her vulnerabilities is essential as she seeks to bolster her standing in Arizona, a state that has increasingly gained significance in the electoral landscape.
Another critical theme emanating from Harris's visit is the race for Latino support, particularly in Arizona, where Latino voters constitute a substantial segment of the electorate. Recent polling suggests that "less than half – 47% – of Latino voters in Arizona said they support Harris," [Joey Garrison & Rebecca Morin, USA TODAY] a figure that falls short of her national approval rating among Latino voters, which stands at 57%.
Harris's campaign has made concerted efforts to engage with Latino communities, recognizing their potential influence in swaying the election outcome. As she articulated, “We can and we must do both,” alluding to the necessity of securing the border while simultaneously establishing a humane immigration system. This dual approach seeks to resonate with Latino voters who often advocate for a comprehensive solution to immigration challenges.
However, Trump's outreach initiatives have not gone unnoticed. With a noteworthy 29% of Latinos in Arizona expressing support for him, the competition for this demographic is intense. Harris's capacity to connect with Latino voters could prove pivotal to her success in a state that has increasingly become a battleground.