Immigration Under Biden/Harris

Introduction

As the Democratic National Convention concludes tonight in Chicago, the party's platform is crystal clear: preventing the return of Donald Trump at all costs. But as we look toward the future, critical questions remain. What, if anything, will fundamentally change under a potential Kamala Harris administration, especially when compared to another term for Joe Biden? And what has really changed under Biden’s leadership?

Take immigration, for example. The Biden administration halted the construction of Trump's infamous border wall and temporarily ended the "Remain in Mexico" policy, only to restart it again under pressure. In major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago, immigration has become a potent political weapon used against the Democratic Party—cities that once proudly declared themselves "sanctuary cities" now find themselves overwhelmed by the influx of migrants, a crisis exacerbated by Republican governors like Ron DeSantis, who have strategically relocated thousands of undocumented immigrants to these urban centers. While these political maneuvers play out, a legitimate and significant increase in migration to the U.S. Southern border continues.

Historically, immigration has been a bipartisan issue focused on determining the "right kind of immigrant" who should be allowed to enter. How does the Biden administration's "Build Back Better" immigration policy stack up against Trump’s hardline approach? And what should we expect from Kamala Harris if she becomes president? If Trump returns to office, could we see the largest jobs program since the New Deal, but this time focused on mass deportation? 

Tonight, we're joined by lawyer and author of *Borderlines,* Dan Melo, to explore these pressing questions and more.