A cadre of speakers at the Democratic National Convention are set to address immigration policy and border security on Wednesday, as part of an effort to reshape the narrative around these issues, which have been seen as a major vulnerability for Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris. The speakers, including Democratic lawmakers and the sheriff of a Texas border county, are expected to support a bipartisan border security deal that includes restrictions on asylum and increased funding for Border Patrol agents. They plan to criticize former President Donald Trump for his stance on immigration and highlight his controversial campaign promises.
Among the speakers scheduled to address immigration are Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Tom Suozzi, and Sheriff Javier Salazar. They will emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to border security and immigration reform. Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar and social media influencer Carlos Eduardo Espina will also join the discussion on Wednesday. The Democrats are aiming to combat Republican attacks on immigration and present a united front on the issue ahead of the 2024 election.
Surveys have shown that immigration is a weak point for the Biden-Harris administration, with many voters believing that Trump is more likely to reduce illegal border crossings. Republicans have criticized Harris for the increase in border crossings and her liberal immigration views, but she has pledged to prioritize border security and support a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Border crossings have decreased in recent months, attributed to a combination of policy changes, weather conditions, and Mexico’s efforts to address migration issues.
The Democratic Party platform has also shifted towards a more moderate stance on asylum and immigration compared to previous years. The 2024 platform supports restrictions on asylum claims and emphasizes the need to deport economic migrants quickly. This marks a departure from the more progressive approach in 2020, which focused on expanding asylum protections and opposing Trump’s immigration policies. The Democrats are now presenting a tougher stance on border security in an effort to appeal to a broader range of voters and address concerns about illegal immigration.
The ongoing debate over immigration policy at the DNC reflects the broader political landscape surrounding border security and immigration issues. With the 2024 election approaching, both parties are focusing on crafting their positions on these contentious issues to appeal to voters. While Democrats are working to redefine their stance on border security, Republicans, including former President Trump, are also planning to address these issues and offer their own solutions for addressing illegal immigration. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the election and the future of immigration policy in the United States.
