Joshua Rivera
Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:06 pm GMT
In a newly resurfaced video, Vice President Kamala Harris is seen chanting “down, down with deportation” during a 2018 parade, stirring up discussions about her evolving stance on immigration policy. The footage, taken at the Annual Kingdom Day Parade in Los Angeles, shows Harris as a then-senator passionately participating in protests against deportation, revealing a contrast to her more centrist positions today amidst her 2024 presidential campaign.
Context of the Parade
In January 2018, Harris served as the Grand Marshal at the Kingdom Day Parade, an event celebrating the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. While the parade is a celebration of King’s contributions, it also evolved into a platform for various social and political issues, including immigration reform.
The video shows Harris enthusiastically joining in chants alongside a crowd, declaring, “up, up with education, down, down with deportation.” This moment highlights her previous commitment to more progressive immigration reforms, positioning her as a vocal advocate against deportation practices that target undocumented immigrants.
The Presence of Jussie Smollett
Notably, the footage features actor Jussie Smollett, who later became embroiled in controversy. During the parade, Smollett participated in the chants alongside Harris, further connecting him to the political and social activism of the time. At the time, he was gaining acclaim for his role in the television show *Empire*, but would later face legal troubles for falsely claiming to be a victim of a hate crime.
Harris had previously defended Smollett during his legal issues, noting that his experience exemplified the contemporary struggles against racism and hate in America. This connection has added layers to her political narrative, especially as she campaigns to redefine her image.
Changing Positions on Immigration
Since the parade, Harris’s positions on immigration have evolved significantly. Initially, she championed policies aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants, including the 2019 proposal to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary relief from deportation for those brought to the U.S. as children. She pledged to eliminate age restrictions on DACA applicants and to create pathways for citizenship.
However, as she has moved into her role as vice president and now a candidate for the 2024 nomination, Harris’s stance has moderated. Her campaign has indicated a shift towards a more pragmatic approach to border security, focusing on bipartisan solutions and increased funding for immigration compliance, which has drawn criticism from some progressives who feel she has abandoned her former positions.
Responses from Harris’s Campaign
A spokesperson for Harris emphasized that her evolving policies were “shaped by three years of effective governance.” They stated that she wishes to balance enforcement with the safety and well-being of individuals who pose no threat. According to her campaign, she supports bipartisan legislative efforts, which include increasing funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while also working towards humane immigration solutions.
This approach contrasts sharply with her previous opposition to certain immigration enforcement measures. Critics of the vice president point out that her original stance resonated with significant portions of the Democratic base, especially those advocating for immigrant rights.
Border and Immigration Challenges
Under Harris’s leadership as Vice President and “border czar,” the U.S. has seen a surge in migrant encounters at the southern border. This increase has been accompanied by intensified scrutiny regarding the administration’s immigration policies. While Harris initially criticized mass deportations, her current campaign messaging includes supporting the targeted deportation of those considered a threat to public safety.
The sheer volume of migrants attempting to cross into the U.S. has raised questions about the effectiveness of current border policies and the administration’s objectives in handling immigration. As she navigates these complex issues, Harris faces the challenge of addressing the criticisms from both sides of the political spectrum: those who feel she has swung too far to the right, and those who insist she has abandoned key progressive principles.
Kamala Harris has faced increasing scrutiny over her evolving stance on immigration policies as the new presidential campaign unfolds.
Conclusion
The resurfaced video of Kamala Harris chanting against deportation is more than just a relic of the past; it represents her complex journey through the political landscape of immigration reform. As she strives to strike a balance between her progressive roots and a more centrist approach amid her campaign for the presidency, her past actions and words continue to influence public perception.
Harris faces a tough job when it comes to dealing with criticism while trying to support a fair immigration policy. She wants to find a balance between treating migrants humanely and keeping Americans safe. How she handles this could really impact her chances in the upcoming presidential race. As people start thinking about the 2024 elections, her changing views on immigration will be an important topic in the country’s political conversations.
