New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham defended Vice President Kamala Harris’s support for a bipartisan border legislation during a recent interview on NewsNation’s The Hill Sunday. She addressed concerns that Harris might be alienating voters from both sides of the political spectrum by avoiding tough questions regarding the southern border, specifically the continuation of border wall construction.
Grisham emphasized that the stalemate on immigration issues is primarily due to the Republican Party’s actions during their time in the majority, rather than Harris being indecisive. She highlighted that the vice president is open to enhancing immigration and border security measures, indicating that the bipartisan bill—which did not pass Congress—could be revisited for improvements.
In her remarks, Grisham stated, “She is not eliminating the possibility that it could be bolder and bigger on either side of that equation,” referencing the need to protect individuals who have adhered to U.S. immigration laws and those who have grown up in the country. She also underscored the importance of addressing illegal immigration by creating better pathways for visas and asylum protections.
Harris has articulated her commitment to prioritizing border security by expressing her intention to advocate for the bipartisan border security bill if elected president. In response to queries about the border wall’s future, she stressed her goal of ensuring that the necessary resources are allocated to secure the border effectively.
Overall, Grisham’s defense reflects a broader strategy among Democratic leaders to navigate the complex immigration debate while attempting to garner support from various factions within the party.