Attorney Sidebar
Immigrant Voices in Action
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Quick Fact:
In fiscal year 2023, discussions around immigration reform intensified, with debates focusing on the balance between border security and pathways to citizenship. Analysts believe this will play a major role in shaping policy decisions in the 2024 election.
Tim Walz, the vice-presidential nominee alongside Kamala Harris for the 2024 election, brings a significant record on immigration policy to the table—both from his time in Congress and his tenure as governor of Minnesota. His stance on immigration, including border security and pathways to citizenship, will likely sharpen the policy contrasts between the Democratic and Republican tickets in the upcoming election.
A Legislative Legacy on Immigration
During his time in Congress, Walz largely aligned with his Democratic colleagues on key immigration issues. He supported legislation aimed at providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly for young people seeking higher education or military service under the DREAM Act. His voting record demonstrated consistent opposition to Republican-led efforts that sought to restrict protections for immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status.
However, it’s Walz’s actions as governor of Minnesota that have drawn fresh attention. He has signed several progressive pieces of legislation that significantly expand benefits to undocumented immigrants, setting Minnesota apart from most other states on this contentious issue.
DACA and the Future of Immigration Reform
Walz’s consistent support for DACA highlights another key difference between the two parties. As Republicans seek to dismantle the program, Walz and Harris are committed to protecting these young immigrants and ensuring their continued contributions to the economy. With legal rulings on DACA’s constitutionality expected soon, the Harris-Walz ticket will need to articulate how they plan to safeguard the program and whether they will pursue legislative reforms to offer a permanent solution for DACA recipients.
A central question in the debate will likely be: “Should DACA recipients be allowed to remain under the existing program, and what specific steps would you take to protect them from deportation?” Walz, as a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, will likely emphasize the importance of a comprehensive immigration reform package that includes protections for DACA recipients and creates a clear legal pathway to citizenship.
Asylum and Border Security: The Administration’s Approach Under Scrutiny
Another critical issue that Walz must address is the Biden administration’s handling of asylum and border security, particularly in light of the surges in illegal crossings seen earlier in their term. Initially, the administration allowed a broad range of asylum seekers to request protection once they reached U.S. soil. This policy contributed to record-high border crossings, which have since decreased after more stringent measures were introduced.
Still, this slow response opens Walz up to scrutiny. Republican opponents argue that the administration’s delayed action created a border crisis, and during the debate, Walz is likely to face questions such as: “Do you believe the administration’s asylum policies contributed to the border crisis, and what would a Harris-Walz administration do differently to avoid such a situation in the future?”
Health Care for Undocumented Immigrants: A Bold Move
In a landmark decision, Walz signed legislation as part of a budget agreement that extended public insurance and health care to undocumented immigrants in Minnesota. This move positioned Minnesota as one of only two states, alongside California, to offer such comprehensive benefits to low-income residents, regardless of their immigration status. While some jurisdictions provide state health coverage to undocumented minors or specific adult groups, Minnesota’s policy is among the most expansive.
The policy shift immediately sparked debates over border security and immigration reform, with Republican opponents framing the move as a magnet for more illegal immigration. Texas Governor Greg Abbott labeled the Harris-Walz ticket as the “most dangerous” in history, citing Walz’s legislation as evidence of the Democratic Party’s leniency on immigration issues.
Driving Privileges and Educational Opportunities for Immigrants
In addition to healthcare reform, Walz signed laws granting driver’s licenses to the estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants living in Minnesota. His administration also approved a measure providing free college tuition to undocumented students. These moves reflect Walz’s broader agenda to ensure undocumented immigrants have access to services that improve public safety and economic opportunities.
“Ensuring drivers in our state are licensed and insured makes the roads safer for all Minnesotans,” Walz said at the time. “As a longtime supporter of this bill, I am proud to sign it into law.”
Criticism from the Right
These progressive immigration policies have fueled criticism from Republican leaders, who argue that Walz’s approach invites more illegal immigration. Abbott and other Republicans point to Walz’s policies on free healthcare and education for undocumented immigrants as incentives that could exacerbate border security challenges. The Republican narrative has focused heavily on tying Walz’s stance to what they describe as a broader Democratic failure on immigration enforcement and border control.
Walz’s Defense and Policy Vision
Walz, however, remains firm in his defense of these measures, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, humane approach to immigration reform. He argues that the solutions offered by Republicans—most notably a border wall—are insufficient and outdated. Instead, he advocates for modernized border security that includes advanced technology and increased staffing, paired with legal pathways for immigrants to live and work in the U.S.
In a July 2024 CNN interview, Walz criticized former President Donald Trump for “ginning up fear” rather than solving the immigration problem, and he reiterated his belief in bipartisan solutions that address the needs of both security and immigration reform.
“You stop this using electronics, you stop it using more border control agents, and you stop it by having a legal system that allows folks to come here, just like my relatives did,” Walz stated. “Our border can work better.”
The Sanctuary State Debate
One topic likely to come up during the campaign is Walz’s past suggestion that Minnesota could consider becoming a sanctuary state. While Minnesota itself is not officially designated as such, two of its largest counties, Hennepin and Ramsey, are sanctuary jurisdictions. Walz has made it clear that he believes local law enforcement should not be tasked with enforcing federal immigration laws, which he views as the responsibility of federal agencies.
“Congress has given federal agencies the authority to enforce immigration laws in Minnesota, and I support their doing so,” Walz said in a 2018 interview. “Local law enforcement’s role is to enforce state and local laws, not federal immigration laws.”
Republican Attacks and the 2024 Debate Stage
As the 2024 election approaches, Walz’s record on immigration will undoubtedly be a focal point of Republican attacks. His tenure as governor during the George Floyd protests in 2020 also continues to serve as a point of criticism from GOP figures like Senator Lindsey Graham, who accuse Walz of weak leadership and liberal overreach.
“Governor Walz sat on the sidelines and watched Minneapolis burn,” Graham tweeted, referring to the unrest following Floyd’s death. He further attacked Walz for providing “free college and health care to illegal immigrants,” a line that echoes broader Republican concerns about Democratic immigration policies.
The Future of U.S. Immigration Under a Harris-Walz Administration
Looking ahead, a Harris-Walz administration would likely continue to push for comprehensive immigration reform, focusing on pathways to citizenship, protection for refugees, and bolstered border security using modern technology rather than physical barriers. Walz’s record suggests a balanced approach that seeks both security and compassion—two elements that will play a key role in shaping the debate as voters weigh their options for 2024.
The immigration debate is far from settled, and Walz’s position as the Democratic VP nominee ensures that it will remain a hot-button issue as both parties outline their visions for the future of U.S. immigration policy.