While serving as California’s attorney general, Vice President Kamala Harris supported an undocumented immigrant’s bid to acquire a license to practice law, which was opposed by the Obama administration. Harris endorsed Sergio Garcia’s desire to become a lawyer in a 2012 Supreme Court brief, arguing that the government could not block him from doing so. This put her at odds with Obama’s Department of Justice, which said it would violate federal immigration law. Despite the opposition, the state bar, civil rights groups, and Latino lawmakers supported Garcia, with Harris’ endorsement being credited as crucial in his case’s success. Garcia ultimately became the first undocumented immigrant to practice law in California, receiving the Medal of Valor from Harris and later becoming a citizen and voting for her in the 2020 election.
Harris’ support for Garcia was one of several instances where she was left of the Obama administration, particularly on issues related to illegal immigration. In a 2019 presidential primary, Harris spoke out against deportations for non-criminal immigrants who crossed the border, stating that they should not be deported. She emphasized her disagreements with Obama on these matters, highlighting her actions as attorney general of California to push back against deportation policies. In a 2019 interview with Univision, Harris criticized Obama for his approach to deportations and ICE detainers, stating that he was “wrong” on these issues. The differences between Harris and Obama on illegal immigration have been a point of contention for some critics.
Despite facing criticism for her stance on immigration, Harris is expected to visit the U.S.-Mexico border amid a surge of migrants and growing concerns over border security. The possibility of the trip has been dismissed by some as a “political stunt,” with Harris’ critics questioning the timing and motivations behind the visit. The Scripps News/Ipsos Poll released last week shows that a majority of respondents support the idea of mass deportation, with respondents favoring former President Trump over Harris in handling the issue of immigration. While details of Harris’ border visit have not been finalized, it remains a topic of interest and debate.
Harris’ actions in supporting Garcia and advocating for immigrant rights have been both praised and criticized, with some applauding her commitment to inclusivity and diversity, while others question her motivations and the impact of her decisions. The Garcia case exemplifies Harris’ willingness to take a stand on controversial issues, even if it means going against the prevailing policies and opinions of the time. Her track record on immigration and border issues continues to be a point of contention, with supporters lauding her progressive approach and critics challenging her effectiveness and leadership in addressing the complex challenges facing the nation’s immigration system. As Harris navigates her responsibilities as vice president, her previous actions and statements on these issues will likely continue to shape public perception and debate surrounding her leadership and decision-making.
