Republicans Cry Foul Over Kamala Harris’ Border Wall Stance

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Aug 28, 2024

Kamala Harris, once a staunch opponent of the US-Mexico border wall, is now facing accusations of hypocrisy from Republicans.

At the Democratic National Convention last week, she expressed support for reviving a bipartisan immigration deal that includes funding for the border wall—a stark contrast to her earlier views.

A Radical Departure from Harris' Previous Stance

Back in 2017, Harris described the border wall as a “stupid waste of money” and criticized it as “un-American.”

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Harris speaking at an event holding a microphone

Source: Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia

Fast forward to today, and her stance seems to have shifted, aligning more closely with the current immigration policies proposed by her party and GOP counterparts.

The Revival of a Controversial Immigration Deal

The bipartisan immigration deal Harris supports includes a significant compromise: allocating $650 million for the border wall.

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A photograph of immigrants waiting at the US-Mexico border

Source: Wikimedia

Although this amount is considerably less than the $18 billion Trump requested in 2018, it still represents a departure from Harris’ earlier position against any wall funding at all.

Why the Sudden Change?

Critics argue that Harris’ newfound support for the border wall is politically motivated and opportunistic.

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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Philadelphia. Harris is standing behind a lectern with microphones, and Walz is behind her. A crowd is behind them holding blue “Harris Walz” signs.

Source: @KamalaHarris/X

With the upcoming election, some speculate that Harris is aiming to attract centrist and conservative voters who favor stricter immigration policies, despite her previous opposition.

GOP Calls Out Harris for Hypocrisy

Republicans have been quick to call out Harris’ apparent policy reversal.

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A photograph of Kamala Harris

Source: Getty Images

Senator James Lankford, a key architect of the immigration deal, emphasized that the agreement “requires the Trump border wall,” pointing out the inconsistency in Harris’ stance compared to her past statements.

Trump’s Influence on the Immigration Debate

Donald Trump, a prominent figure in the border wall debate, criticized the immigration deal earlier this year, causing GOP members to withdraw support.

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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump Holds Rally In York, Pennsylvania

Source: Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images

His opposition to giving Democrats a win on the border issue has kept the topic in the political spotlight.

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Harris’ Original Stance

Harris openly criticized Trump’s border wall, labeling it a “medieval vanity project” and pledging to block funding.

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Kamala Harris talking behind a podium

Source: Wikimedia

Her recent shift has left some of her supporters questioning the authenticity of her commitments.

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The Democratic Nominee's New Messaging Strategy

Harris’ recent campaign ads show images of the border wall, portraying her as a “border-state prosecutor.”

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Kamala Harris standing next to a soldier at Camp Pendleton

Source: Wikimedia

This move has sparked further criticism from those who believe she is altering her stance for political gain rather than genuine belief.

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Vance’s Attack Backfires

Senator (and current Republican vice presidential nominee) JD Vance attempted to attack Harris on social media for her support of the wall, claiming she could “start right now” if she truly wanted to build it.

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 18: Republican vice presidential candidate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) listens during the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s "God & Country Breakfast" at the Pfister Hotel, on July 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Vance, who gave a speech at the Republican National Convention the night before, headlined the conservative political advocacy group's breakfast.

Source: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Critics quickly pointed out that Vance had voted against the same bipartisan bill, revealing his own inconsistency.

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A Closer Look at the Bipartisan Bill

The immigration deal Harris supports doesn’t just focus on the wall—it also includes provisions for reforms that Republicans demanded earlier in Biden’s term.

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A lawyer is pictured at his desk

Source: Freepik

However, the spotlight remains on the wall funding, which has become a symbol of broader immigration policy debates.

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The Politics of Immigration Ahead of the Election

As the election approaches, Harris’ immigration stance will likely continue to be a hot topic.

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father holding son while being apprehended by US Border Security

Source: John Moore, Getty Images

Republicans, led by Trump, are using this to challenge her credibility, while Democrats are pushing back, trying to reframe the narrative around comprehensive immigration reform.

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The Impact of Harris’ Shift on Voters

Harris’ shift on the border wall issue has stirred mixed reactions among voters.

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A photograph of several voters in the United States

Source: Freepik

Some see it as a pragmatic step towards compromise, while others view it as a betrayal of her earlier principles. As the political landscape evolves en route to November, this debate is far from over.

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