Senator JD Vance has firmly criticized Vice President Kamala Harris’s immigration bill, labeling it a security threat and “mass amnesty” policy.
At a Glance
- Sen. JD Vance calls VP Kamala Harris’s proposed immigration bill a “mass amnesty bill.”
- Vance argues the bill weakens border security by embedding “Catch and Release” into law.
- The bill suggests increasing yearly immigration caps to two million individuals.
- Bipartisan opposition is evident, with several Senate Democrats also opposing the bill.
Vance’s Critique of the “Senate Border Security Bill”
Senator JD Vance has expressed strong opposition to the legislation put forth by Vice President Harris, describing it as a “mass amnesty bill” that could legalize illegal immigration in the United States. He contends that Harris’s claims of the bill being a bipartisan effort are not supported by the evident opposition from both parties.
According to Vance, the rhetoric of the bill disguises its real intent, which he believes undermines essential border security measures. The proposed cap of two million illegal immigrants per year before any border closure is a point of serious contention. Vance highlights how this maximum cap could impact the integrity of American borders.
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
Concerns Over “Catch and Release” Policy
The bill formally integrates the “Catch and Release” policy into U.S. legislation, allowing asylum seekers extended stays in the country while awaiting court proceedings that could take up to 15 years. Vance asserts that such codification prevents future administrations from reversing these policies, effectively tying the hands of potential successors like Donald Trump.
“Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) is calling out legislation promoted by Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail that he says is a “mass amnesty bill” to effectively legalize illegal immigration to the United States.” – Sen. JD Vance
Vance further argues that the bill overlooks necessary components such as the funding for a border wall and adjustments to the parole system. This oversight, he suggests, puts an undue burden on Border Patrol, which receives minimal assistance from the legislation.
imo JD Vance is here illegally because I don’t like him and it doesn’t matter what the law says, the executive decides, or the courts adjudicate. He treats cats worse than couches from what I hear from sources whose quality doesn’t matter and should be denaturalized accordingly. https://t.co/5yHpEVzpXe
— Casey Ayers (@caseyayers) September 22, 2024
Bipartisan Resistance and Increasing Migrant Numbers
The suggestion of the bill’s bipartisan support contrasts with significant Democratic dissent, including opposition from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Vance emphasizes that more legislators opposed than supported the bill, which reflects its controversial nature. Under the current government, record numbers of migrant encounters at U.S. borders have pressured the system, with many migrants integrating into communities while awaiting deportation hearings.
“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
Vance’s statements highlight the need for more comprehensive and collaborative efforts in developing immigration policies that both secure the border and address humanitarian needs. The ongoing debate underscores the legislative challenges ahead in balancing these critical issues.
Sources
2. JD Vance Calls Out Kamala Harris for ‘Mass Amnesty Bill’ to Legalize Illegal Immigration