In 2017, then-Senator Kamala Harris sparked controversy with a statement questioning the appropriateness of celebrating Christmas while undocumented immigrants, particularly those protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, faced an uncertain future. Her remarks came amidst heated negotiations over the fate of DACA recipients, who were brought to the United States as children and faced potential deportation after then-President Trump announced the program’s termination.
During a December 2017 press conference, Harris expressed frustration with the lack of progress on legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. She argued that it was morally wrong to celebrate Christmas while these individuals faced uncertainty about their status. “And when we all sing happy tunes, and sing Merry Christmas, and wish each other Merry Christmas, these children are not going to have a Merry Christmas. How dare we speak Merry Christmas. How dare we? They will not have a Merry Christmas,” she stated.
Her remarks were widely interpreted as a critique of those who celebrated the holiday while DACA recipients faced potential deportation. Harris’s call for action on immigration reform, coupled with her criticism of those who celebrated Christmas while undocumented immigrants faced uncertainty, brought attention to the urgency of the situation and highlighted the intersection of social and political issues.
This incident has resurfaced in light of Vice President Harris’s current role in addressing the ongoing immigration crisis at the southern border. While Harris has been tasked with leading outreach efforts on border-related issues, she has faced criticism from Republicans and some media outlets, who have labeled her the “border czar.” They point to the surge in undocumented immigrants entering the United States and argue that her policies have contributed to the crisis.
The Harris campaign, however, has defended her record and contrasted it with former President Trump’s policies, which they argue were more focused on divisive rhetoric than real solutions. They highlight Harris’s consistent advocacy for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and her support for comprehensive immigration reform.
The 2017 “Merry Christmas” controversy provides a glimpse into Harris’s long-standing stance on immigration issues and her willingness to confront those who she believes are neglecting the plight of undocumented immigrants. This incident, along with her current role in addressing the border crisis, continues to fuel debates surrounding immigration policy and the role of the government in managing the influx of migrants at the southern border.
