Senator JD Vance has criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s “mass amnesty bill,” suggesting it weakens border security measures. Vance argues the bill still allows up to 2 million migrants annually before closing the border. This contradicts Harris’s past statements.
Vance Criticizes the Legislation
Senator JD Vance has openly condemned the legislation promoted by Vice President Kamala Harris, labeling it a “mass amnesty bill.” According to Vance, the bill opens pathways for legalizing illegal immigration without addressing critical border security needs.
The bill, branded by Harris as the “Senate border security bill,” is meant to reflect bipartisan cooperation. Its reality, however, shows a controversial measure unconventionally supported across the Senate aisle.
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) on Thursday accused Vice President Kamala Harris of importing voters through her administration’s immigration policies. https://t.co/lbNOgcbrgD
— CBS 13 News (@WGME) October 31, 2024
Policy Implications and Criticisms
Vance has articulated concern over the bill’s details, notably its accommodation for two million illegal immigrants each year before any border shutdown occurs. The “Catch and Release” policy remains entrenched in the bill, allowing asylum seekers extended stays in the U.S., often lasting up to 15 years.
“Okay, here was the bill … number one, it sets a maximum cap on the number of illegal immigrants we can have before the border shuts down. That maximum cap is two million illegal aliens a year,” Sen. JD Vance said.
Furthermore, Vance stresses that the bill’s codification of “Catch and Release” obstructs future administrations, including potential Republican leadership, from dismantling this policy.
Vance: When the media says that people are here legally, here’s what they mean.. Kamala Harris has granted mass amnesty. I happen to think what she has done is illegal. When Kamala Harris uses an illegal action to give amnesty to aliens, that does not make them legal immigrants,… pic.twitter.com/E46ypvhGo3
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 21, 2024
Bipartisan Dynamics and Legislative Divides
Despite Harris’s claims of bipartisan backing, several Democrats expressed opposition or reluctance, complicating the bill’s trajectory. These internal party tensions point to significant divides over balancing border security with humanitarian considerations.
“By the way, like six Democrats voted against that piece of legislation because they thought it was a disaster,” Sen. JD Vance said.
Under Harris and President Joe Biden’s administration, record-high migrant encounters at U.S. borders have redoubled efforts on both fronts, further emphasizing the need for cooperative and comprehensive legislative efforts.
