The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate has sparked renewed attention on their shared stance on immigration reform. Walz, known for his progressive views, has consistently advocated for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, echoing Harris’ own past positions on the issue. This shared commitment suggests that immigration reform, particularly granting amnesty to millions of undocumented individuals, could be a central focus for a potential Harris administration.
In August 2021, Walz penned a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging them to prioritize a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants as part of a potential budget reconciliation bill. The letter specifically called for a path to citizenship for essential workers, Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and their families. This aligns with Harris’ previous support for the Biden administration’s day one comprehensive immigration reform bill, which aimed to grant a pathway to citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants, placing an estimated 11 million on an eight-year path to citizenship.
While the bill ultimately faced Republican opposition and stalled due to the escalating crisis at the southern border, the Biden administration, including Harris, has consistently reiterated its support for such legislation. Harris, during her time as Vice President, has emphasized the need for Congress to act on immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship and increased border security resources. However, her recent campaign focus has shifted towards prioritizing border security measures, highlighting her commitment to tackling drug smuggling and human trafficking by increasing border agent personnel.
Despite these shifts in focus, the shared history of Walz and Harris on immigration reform raises questions about their potential approach to the issue in a future administration. Both individuals have voiced strong support for granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants, suggesting that this could be a key priority if Harris were to win the presidency. As the 2024 election heats up, their stance on immigration reform will likely be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
