Governor Walz supports policies and services for illegal immigrants. “Win for open borders” stance.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate has sparked intense scrutiny into his stance on immigration and border security. Walz’s support for initiatives such as driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants and advocating for Minnesota to become a sanctuary state has drawn criticism from Republicans, who have labeled him as an advocate for open borders and socialism.
Immediately following the announcement, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley condemned the Harris/Walz ticket as a “win for open borders, socialism, and Iran.” The Republican National Committee wasted no time in attacking Walz’s record, accusing him of providing benefits to illegal immigrants and creating an “Office of New Americans” during his time as governor.
One of the key points of contention highlighted by the RNC was Walz’s signing of a bill that allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley described Harris and Walz as “two open borders, weak on crime, defund the police liberals” representing the most radical ticket in American history.
Walz’s dismissive attitude towards former President Trump’s border wall initiatives further fueled the debate. During a CNN interview, Walz joked about investing in a ladder factory if walls were constructed, suggesting that physical barriers were not the answer to immigration issues.
Under Walz’s leadership, Minnesota Democrats implemented policies that made illegal immigrants eligible for tuition-free college programs and expanded healthcare access through MinnesotaCare to include undocumented residents. His apparent support for sanctuary policies has drawn criticism from opponents who argue that law enforcement should prioritize state and local laws over federal immigration enforcement.
House Speaker Mike Johnson lambasted Walz for his past remarks and positions, calling the Harris/Walz ticket the most liberal and progressive combination to ever appear on a presidential ballot. Texas Governor Greg Abbott labeled the pairing as the most dangerous P/VP ticket ever, citing their support for providing free healthcare and state services to illegal immigrants.
As a congressman, Walz received mixed reviews from immigration advocacy groups. While the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) rated him highly for his votes, NumbersUSA, which advocates for reduced immigration levels, gave him a lower career rating. Walz’s co-sponsorship of the American Promise Act and support for bills limiting family separation and increasing refugee numbers drew both praise and criticism.
Throughout his tenure as governor, Walz faced pressure from state Republicans to take action on the border crisis, including deploying the National Guard. Critics accused him of ignoring the humanitarian and security concerns at the border, urging him to prioritize national security over political considerations.
Although Harris’ campaign statement announcing Walz as her running mate did not address his immigration and border security positions, she emphasized his commitment to fighting for middle-class families. Harris expressed confidence in their partnership and shared optimism about winning the upcoming election as underdogs.
