Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled what she is calling her “sweeping strategy” to address the country’s illegal immigration problems at the US-Mexico border on Thursday. She did so by releasing an 18-page document that focuses on what she describes as the “many pillars” of the issue.
Harris said in a statement that “In Central America, the root causes of migration run deep—and migration from the region has a direct impact on the United States. She continued by emphasizing that “The core reasons of migration run deep in Central America—and movement from the region has a direct impact on the US.”
“As a result, our country must maintain a regular presence in the region to address the challenges that drive individuals to flee Central America and cross our border,” she continued.
Further quotes include the below statements:
“For decades, our nation has engaged in Central America…Often well intentioned, the engagement has often not been consistent. And over the last few years, the United States significantly pulled back from work in the region.”
And of course, climate change had to be discussed, along with the virus.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions have indeed exacerbated the root causes of migration—which include corruption, violence, trafficking, and poverty. While our Administration is proud that we have sent millions of vaccine doses and hurricane relief, we know that it is not enough to alleviate suffering in the long term.
“The root causes must be addressed both in addition to relief efforts—and apart from these efforts. In everything we do, we must target our efforts in those areas of highest out-migration—and ensure that these programs meet the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness,” she added.
Her full report can be viewed online.
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