JD Vance on Tuesday repeatedly dubbed US vice president Kamala Harris as the “border czar” at the vice presidential debate, portraying Harris as the primary figure responsible for what he perceives as the dismantling of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies.
Vance claimed that Harris’s actions have led to an influx of fentanyl, strained local resources, and contributed to increasing housing costs.
This criticism aligns with the rhetoric employed by his running mate Trump, who often labels Kamala Harris as a failed “border czar.”
The term “border czar” is not a formally recognized position, but it implies a significant level of influence and control. When someone is referred to as a “czar” in a specific area or domain, it suggests that they wield substantial authority and decision-making power within that particular sphere.
Harris’s involvement in immigration dates back to March 2021, when President Biden assigned her the task of addressing the “root causes” of migration from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. This required navigating issues of economic disparity, corruption, and violence that compel migrants to leave their home countries.
Harris however, was not granted the power to establish immigration policy—she could not issue executive orders or negotiate with Congress on Biden’s behalf. Her responsibilities were restricted to diplomatic efforts, encouraging regional governments to bolster their enforcement of immigration laws and addressing systemic problems that drive migration.
Illegal border crossings numbers have since reached record highs, with over 7 million migrants apprehended at the US-Mexico border under Biden’s administration.