Although she is one of the Dems’ best hopes of winning the White House, Ms. Harris should be more precise on the immigration issue. Her gaffe last night will be amplified in Trump’s oppo ads.
Specifically, when asked if an undocumented alien should be deported, she followed Eric Swalwell in saying “No”, before pivoting into her actions in California. She should have followed Joe Biden’s answer that “deportation priorities must be established”. Persons ordered to be deported for criminal offenses should be forced out before a person merely present without a visa or other court relief. This has been national policy for years – until Trump, who grabs everyone.
Unlawful status in the U.S. is either a civil or criminal violation, depending upon current statutes. In either case, the alien is subject to deportation proceedings, where he will be either removed or granted a visa or a waiver. The question of deportation is thus a factual one of whether or not relief is available in court. There is no clear-cut “yes” or “no” answer until court proceedings are concluded. By answering “No”, Ms. Harris and Mr. Swalwell can be blamed for opening the border with no legal proceeding or decision whatsoever – a pure invitation to Trump’s response.