Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign manager has confirmed that if elected in November, she would uphold President Joe Biden's current border policies.

Harris has hinted that she will -- perhaps at her electoral peril -- continue Biden's partial ban on asylum, which is a hotly debated issue in the 2024 campaign, with Republicans emphasizing the drastic need to address the ongoing border crisis, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Harris's Campaign Manager Confirms Policy Continuity

Julie Chavez Rodriguez, campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris, confirmed in an interview with CBS News on Friday that Harris is expected to maintain the border policies of President Joe Biden's administration. These policies include a partial ban on asylum that Biden enacted this past June through a presidential proclamation. This proclamation suspends the entry of most migrants who cross the southern border.

Biden's decision also disqualifies individuals who enter the United States illegally from being granted asylum, marking a significant shift in immigration policy.

Republican Focus on Border Issue Ahead of Election

With Biden's decision to endorse Harris for the 2024 election, Democrats have shifted the conversation away from Biden's age and health, while Republicans are homing in on the Biden administration's border policies as a critical campaign issue. Republicans have labeled Harris the administration's duly appointed "border czar" and are focusing heavily on the effects of these policies on immigration. They highlight the border crisis as a key point of critique.

Chavez Rodriguez praised what she characterized reduction in border crossings, attributing these achievements to Biden's policies. The number of migrants apprehended by Border Patrol agents fell to a three-year low in June, with continued reductions in July.

Challenges from Previous Administration Claimed

Chavez Rodriguez also pointed to what she said was former President Donald Trump's role in the ongoing border crisis, specifically noting his opposition to a bipartisan Senate border deal earlier this year.

"As a result of Donald Trump saying that he didn’t want Republicans to pass it, it failed," Chavez Rodriguez said. She emphasized the need for forward-looking solutions while criticizing Trump for playing politics with the issue.

In her remarks, Chavez Rodriguez underlined the necessity for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration legislation. "We know at the end of the day the only way to really modernize our immigration system and secure our border is for Congress to pass common-sense immigration legislation," she said.

Asylum System Restoration Promised

The changes brought about by Biden mark a shift in the administration's approach to immigration, with a promise to "restore" the asylum system. This issue is expected to resonate strongly with voters in the upcoming election.

Despite the border policy adjustments, President Biden's administration has faced numerous challenges, including criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Democrats argue that more needs to be done to protect migrants' rights, while Republicans push for stricter controls. Chavez Rodriguez attributed the decline in migrant crossings to Biden's policy decisions, positioning these as effective measures to manage border security.

Bipartisan Efforts and Congressional Action

Amid the ongoing debate, Chavez Rodriguez continued to stress what she said was the need for bipartisan efforts to address immigration reform. She pointed out the failure of recent bipartisan attempts due to political opposition. Highlighting the long-term nature of immigration reform, she called for pragmatic legislation to create a more secure and efficient system. She expressed hope that future efforts would overcome partisan barriers.

As the campaign progresses, the border policy stance of Harris will remain a focal point of discussion, drawing scrutiny and support from various constituencies.

Campaign Dynamics and Voter Sentiment

With the endorsement from President Biden, Harris's campaign has gained momentum, potentially altering the dynamic of the election. Her alignment with Biden's policies aims to build on the existing administration's strategies while navigating the complexities of immigration reform.

The issue of border security continues to polarize voters, with opinions divided on the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of the current policies. Harris's commitment to continuity may appeal to some but meets resistance from others seeking substantial changes.

Campaign debates and public discourse will likely intensify, with immigration policies at the forefront. Both political parties are preparing to leverage this issue to galvanize their respective voter bases.

Conclusion

Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign manager has stated that Harris will continue President Biden's border policies if elected, including the partial ban on asylum.

Republicans focus on these policies in their critiques, pointing to the ongoing border crisis as a critical 2024 election issue. Chavez Rodriguez praised Biden's policy impact on reducing border crossings and criticized former President Trump for obstructing bipartisan solutions.

As the campaign develops, immigration reform remains a hotly contested topic, reflecting broader debates on the effectiveness and ethics of border security measures.