This story at a glance…

1. Vice President Kamala Harris is heading to the U.S.-Mexico border, hoping to counter Trump’s lead on immigration issues.

2. This visit, her first since Biden exited the race, aims to convince skeptical voters she’s capable of handling the challenge.

3. Trump continues to spotlight her past missteps, keeping immigration front and center in his campaign.

4. With Trump narrowly leading in Arizona, will Harris’s visit change the game?

Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump on Immigration Policies

Vice President Kamala Harris is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border this Friday during a trip to Arizona, a move that signals her intent to take a more active role in the ongoing immigration debate. The visit, which will be her first since President Biden exited the race, aims to address the concerns many voters have about immigration, where former President Donald Trump has maintained a strong position.

While Harris’s exact itinerary is still being finalized, it's expected that she may address the immigration issue, seeking to outline her approach and respond to criticisms. Her campaign hasn’t released a statement yet, but this visit comes at a time when immigration continues to be a key talking point for both candidates.

The Debate Over Immigration
Immigration has been a point of contention in the race, with Trump and his allies frequently criticizing Harris's handling of the situation. During President Biden’s administration, Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration from Latin America. However, her efforts faced challenges, and she drew attention during a 2021 interview when she responded to a question about visiting the border by saying, “I’ve never been to Europe either.” This moment has since been used in political advertisements to question her record on immigration.

Despite this, border crossings have recently dropped to their lowest levels since Harris and Biden took office. Nevertheless, polling data from a New York Times/Siena College survey shows that many voters still believe Trump is better equipped to handle immigration. In Arizona, a key battleground state, 54% of likely voters trust Trump more on this issue, compared to 43% for Harris.

Arizona: A Crucial Battleground
According to recent polling averages, Arizona remains a significant battleground state, and Trump currently holds a narrow lead there. The state is home to a large number of Hispanic voters, and, while Harris has regained some support among this group since joining the ticket, she is still working to reach the level of backing typically seen for a Democratic candidate.

Harris’ Broader Campaign Strategy
The Arizona trip is part of a larger West Coast tour for Harris. She will also appear at fundraising events in San Francisco and Los Angeles before finishing her campaign swing in Nevada. Throughout her campaign, Harris has emphasized her belief in securing the border while also advocating for an “earned pathway to citizenship” for undocumented immigrants. She has pointed to her experience targeting transnational criminal organizations as California’s Attorney General as part of her credentials in handling complex immigration challenges.

Trump’s Immigration Message
Meanwhile, Trump continues to present a different vision for handling immigration. Harris has highlighted what she sees as the potential implications of Trump’s policies, warning that they could lead to large-scale deportations and expanded detention efforts. During a recent speech to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Harris urged voters to consider the real-world impacts of such policies, suggesting they would require "massive raids" or "massive detention camps."

Harris also noted that Trump and his allies blocked a bipartisan border security deal earlier this year, framing it as evidence of playing politics with the issue. Both candidates are actively working to make their case to the public, and immigration remains one of the defining topics as the election approaches.

Reflection
The immigration debate often feels endless, but as Christians, we're reminded that God calls us to compassion and hospitality. Leviticus 19:34 says, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” This doesn't mean ignoring laws or borders, but it does challenge us to approach the issue with grace. While discussing walls, let's also focus on building bridges—bridges of kindness and understanding that turn strangers into neighbors.