Former President Donald Trump continues to hold a strong lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in a key state when it comes to handling immigration, as the border crisis remains a top issue for voters. A recent poll from Marquette Law School shows that while Harris leads Trump overall in Wisconsin, Trump dominates on immigration and border security. This disparity in policy positions is evident as 49% of voters favor Trump on immigration compared to just 37% who favor Harris.
In addition to immigration, the poll also found Trump holding a significant lead over Harris on handling the war between Israel and Hamas. Harris, on the other hand, has leads on issues such as Medicare & Social Security and abortion. Immigration was a top issue for 15% of voters surveyed, tied with abortion and only behind the economy. This highlights the importance of this issue to voters and the impact it could have on upcoming elections in key states like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona.
Harris was tasked with addressing the root causes of migration to the southern border in early 2021, leading to her being labeled the “border czar” by some media outlets and critics, despite the White House rejecting this title. Republicans have criticized Harris for rolling back Trump-era policies, which they believe contributed to the influx of migrants at the border. Harris has shifted her stance on border and immigration issues since her 2019 presidential bid, aligning more closely with the current administration’s policies.
Former President Trump has condemned Harris for her approach to border security, accusing her of erasing the border and emphasizing the need for strong border protection. Harris, however, has highlighted the decrease in border encounters following President Biden’s signing of a proclamation limiting asylum entries. She has also supported a bipartisan border security bill that includes similar restrictions on asylum and additional funding for detention beds. Harris has accused Trump of blocking the bill for political reasons, emphasizing the need for practical solutions over political games.
Despite the challenges she faces in convincing voters of her effectiveness on border issues, Harris continues to present herself as capable of handling the crisis. She points to recent policy changes and border security measures as evidence of her commitment to addressing the border situation. While conservatives criticize her approach, Harris remains focused on finding bipartisan solutions and ensuring the security of the border. As the debate over immigration and border security continues to influence voter opinions, both Trump and Harris are working to make their case to the American people ahead of upcoming elections.
