Senator JD Vance accuses Vice President Kamala Harris of promoting a “mass amnesty bill” that could allow up to two million illegal immigrants annually, sparking debate over true border security measures.
At a Glance
- Sen. JD Vance criticizes VP Harris for supporting what he calls a “mass amnesty bill”
- The bill sets a cap of 2 million illegal immigrants per year before border shutdown
- It codifies “Catch and Release,” allowing asylum seekers to stay in the U.S. for up to 15 years
- Vance argues the bill lacks true bipartisan support and fails to address key border security issues
- Under Harris and Biden, migrant encounters at U.S. borders have reached record numbers
Vance Challenges Harris’s Border Security Claims
Senator JD Vance (R-OH) has launched a scathing critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’s recent promotion of what she terms a “Senate border security bill.” Vance argues that the legislation is far from a genuine attempt at securing the border, instead labeling it a “mass amnesty bill” that would effectively legalize illegal immigration to the United States.
The Ohio Senator’s remarks come as the Biden administration faces mounting pressure over its handling of the ongoing border crisis. With migrant encounters at U.S. borders reaching unprecedented levels under the current administration, Vance’s criticism taps into growing public concern over national security and immigration policy.
Controversial Bill Details
According to Vance, the bill promoted by Harris contains several contentious provisions that he argues would exacerbate rather than alleviate the current border crisis. One of the most alarming aspects, in Vance’s view, is the establishment of a cap on illegal immigration.
“Okay, here was the bill … number one, it sets a maximum cap on the number of illegal immigrants we can have before the border shuts down. That maximum cap is two million illegal aliens a year.” – Sen. JD Vance – Source
This cap, Vance contends, essentially provides a green light for up to two million illegal entries annually before any action is taken to secure the border. Furthermore, the bill reportedly codifies the controversial “Catch and Release” policy, allowing asylum seekers to remain in the U.S. with work permits while awaiting their hearings—a process that can stretch up to 15 years.
Lack of Bipartisan Support
Despite claims of bipartisan backing, Vance asserts that the bill has failed to garner widespread support from either party. He points out that even some Democrats have distanced themselves from the legislation, viewing it as problematic.
“By the way, like six Democrats voted against that piece of legislation because they thought it was a disaster.” – Sen. JD Vance – Source
The Senator’s remarks highlight a growing divide not just between parties, but within the Democratic ranks over how to address the complex issue of immigration reform. Vance suggests that opposition to the bill was more bipartisan than its support, with several Senate Democrats and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus reportedly rejecting the proposal.
Critical Omissions in Border Security
Vance argues that the bill falls short in addressing key aspects of border security. Notably absent from the legislation are provisions for the border wall—a cornerstone of previous administration’s border security strategy—and reforms to the parole system, which Harris has utilized extensively during her tenure.
The Ohio Senator contends that these omissions, coupled with the bill’s other provisions, render it ineffective as a true border security measure. Instead, Vance characterizes it as a thinly veiled attempt at mass amnesty, offering minimal support to Border Patrol agents tasked with managing the influx of migrants.
As the debate over immigration policy continues to intensify, Vance’s critique of Harris’s promoted legislation underscores the deep divisions and ongoing challenges in addressing the complex issue of border security and immigration reform in the United States.
Sources:
- JD Vance Calls Out Kamala Harris for ‘Mass Amnesty Bill’ to Legalize Illegal Immigration
- Vance, in Joe Rogan interview, predicts Trump could win ‘the normal gay guy vote’