Political debates over immigration in the United States often amount to sensational sound bites and anecdotes rather than substantive consideration of policies that affect millions of lives. The recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was no exception.
One of the most puzzling moments was when Donald Trump suggested: Immigrants were eating people's dogs and cats In Springfield, Ohio, completely baseless claimsBut it still monopolizes media attention and leaves too little oxygen for much-needed conversations about the complexities of border security and immigration policy.
Immigration is an issue that shapes the economy, the labor market, and America's very identity, and it deserves more than outlandish claims and vague rhetoric. In Tuesday's vice presidential debate, the moderators should steer the conversation around real solutions, rather than the inflammatory rhetoric that dominated the headlines, and the candidates should join in the conversation.
The debate should give voters clear insight into the border and immigration policy positions of the Trump and Harris campaigns. To do that, the moderator needs to ask each candidate a few specific questions designed to steer them away from their talking points and straw man arguments.
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) will face an important test of his sympathy for President Trump's hardline immigration policies. The former president has made it clear that he plans to enact the law if re-elected. A thorough deportation program It targets not only recent arrivals but also long-term illegal residents. The plan is also likely to include individuals currently protected under the Biden administration's parole program or temporary protected status, as well as those awaiting asylum decisions.
During the first Trump administration, 1.5 million people Deported. Expanding the effort to include millions more would cost tens of billions of dollars and severely disrupt industries that rely on immigrant labor. The host asked Vance, “How do you envision a second Trump administration implementing such a massive undertaking? And how do you envision dealing with the potential economic impact?” What steps do you think you will take?” you should ask.
Then the problem is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)), an Obama-era program that protects from deportation. over 900,000 young people He was brought to the United States as a child. There is a court ready to rule The following questions should be asked about its legality: “Many DACA recipients have lived their entire lives in the United States, but should they be allowed to remain under the existing program?” If not, Congress should pass legislation that would permanently legalize their status. Do you support doing so?”
Moreover, immigration has long been tied to America's economic vitality. Economists point to high levels of both legal and illegal immigration. has contributed to US economy, surpass In Western Europe and Asian countries, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, restraint of growth. Mr. Vance needs to clarify his vision for the role of immigration in the future of the U.S. economy. Mr. Vance must answer the following questions: “Do you think immigration is necessary to promote growth, or should the United States significantly reduce the number of immigrants at the expense of economic stagnation?”
On the other side of the stage, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) will have his own challenges to deal with. As Harris' running mate, he will have to defend the administration's evolving stance on border security and asylum policy.
In the early days of the Biden-Harris administration, the blanket ability to legally apply for asylum once in the U.S. contributed to a surge in illegal border crossings. record level. Although the government was ultimately successful in cracking down, questions remain. “Was it a mistake to wait so long? Governor Walz, do you agree that your administration's policies have caused this crisis, and how will the Harris-Waltz administration change in the future? ”
Illegal border crossings have fallen recently, but this figure does not include the 500,000 people who have been allowed to enter the country from countries such as Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. special parole program. The question now is: Will the Harris-Waltz administration continue or expand this unprecedented interpretation of U.S. immigration law?
Of course, immigration is not just about border crossings and parole programs, it's also about public safety. Mr Trump is repeatedly in the spotlight Statistics show that crimes committed by immigrants less likely to commit a crime than native-born nationals. However, we cannot ignore the enormous number of crimes committed by illegal immigrants. The governor should respond. “What do you think constitutes grounds for deportation?” Should it be limited to heinous crimes such as murder and rape? Or should minor offenses such as drunk driving also be grounds for removal?”
Both Vance and Walz have an opportunity to move beyond the divisive, surface-level rhetoric that often defines this debate. However, this requires proactively addressing the nuances and complexities of immigration policy. The American people deserve more than platitudes and scare tactics. They deserve a leader who can offer a thoughtful and realistic plan to manage the future of immigration in this country.
C. Stewart Verdelli Jr. served as Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security in the George W. Bush administration and as general counsel to the Senate Republican Whip. he is the founder of defense of monuments with members of National Security and Immigration Council.
