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Vice President Kamala Harris is set to unveil her proposal to amplify President Joe Biden’s rigorous asylum policies should she be elected to the presidency. Speaking during a visit to Douglas, Arizona, Harris aims to tighten rules on asylum claims, particularly by restricting such claims when border crossings surge past specific thresholds. Details of her proposal remain limited, with more specifics expected during her speech.

This move underscores Harris' strategic push to diminish former President Donald Trump’s edge with voters on immigration, demonstrating her commitment to fortifying border security. The announcement leverages recent successes attributed to Biden's asylum policies, which have seen border crossings drop to numbers comparable to Trump's final month in office.

Following the collapse of a bipartisan border agreement, Biden had issued an executive action that permits the suspension of asylum claims at ports of entry when daily crossings average 2,500 over a week. The suspension can only be lifted by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas once the average falls below 1,500 for seven consecutive days, a condition unmet since the policy’s implementation in June.

Harris’ first visit to the southern border as the Democratic nominee also involves a focus on curbing fentanyl trafficking. She will meet with border agents at the Raul H. Castro port of entry and call for increased resources for their efforts. In addition, Harris will urge China to address the production of chemicals used in fentanyl manufacturing. Accompanying her will be Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Trump has criticized Harris’s efforts, accusing her of failing in her role and calling her a "border czar." He highlighted recent data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that over half a million noncitizens have criminal histories, attempting to dampen Harris' campaign with questions of border policy effectiveness. Trump's comments follow his visit to the same Cochise County, Arizona, amplifying his critique by citing the release of these statistics.

Harris' strategy reflects a broader Democratic shift towards stricter immigration policies, hoping to capitalize on Trump's polarizing rhetoric. However, some allies and immigration advocates remain concerned that Harris hasn't sufficiently addressed the plight of long-term undocumented immigrants. They argue she has a chance to revisit the controversial policies of the previous administration and promote a humane yet secure immigration system.

As part of her speech, Harris will advocate for an immigration system that balances robust security measures with the compassionate treatment of migrants, emphasizing America's heritage as a welcoming nation.