Bordering on Change

Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice President, is set to visit the US-Mexico border, a trip aimed at addressing one of her biggest vulnerabilities ahead of the November election. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have accused Harris of not taking the issue of immigration seriously enough, and it's a charge she's eager to dispute. Harris plans to announce her plan to tighten asylum restrictions, a move that breaks from President Joe Biden's policy. Critics argue that the current system is overwhelmed and that stricter enforcement is needed to maintain order at the border. But proponents of the current policy argue that it's a more humane approach that recognizes the complexity of the issue.Immigration and border security are key issues in Arizona, particularly in Douglas, where Harris will be appearing. The town of 16,000 people has strong ties to its neighbor, Agua Prieta, Mexico, and a busy port of entry that's slated for an upgrade. Locals are concerned with making legal border crossings more efficient as well as combating illegal ones. Harris will also highlight her work as Attorney General of California, where she prosecuted drug and people-smuggling gangs that operated at the border. Her trip comes at a time when the Biden administration's policy on immigration is under scrutiny, with some arguing that it's too lenient and others saying that it's a step in the right direction.