Sanders Signals Shift on Border Security, Immigration, While Criticizing Trump’s Deportation Stance
Senator Bernie Sanders, a progressive stalwart from Vermont, has seemingly softened his stance on border security and illegal immigration, expressing agreement with some aspects of former President Donald Trump’s approach during a recent interview. This apparent shift marks a potential departure from his previous positions, particularly those articulated during his 2020 presidential campaign.
Speaking to ABC’s Jonathan Karl on "This Week," Sanders stated his approval of efforts to crack down on fentanyl and strengthen border security. "I mean, I think cracking down on fentanyl, making sure our borders are stronger," Sanders said, indicating a willingness to find common ground with traditionally conservative viewpoints on border control.
He further emphasized that "nobody thinks illegal immigration is appropriate," underscoring a shared understanding that immigration should occur through legal channels. While maintaining his long-held support for comprehensive immigration reform, Sanders stressed the need to discourage illegal border crossings. "I happen to think we need comprehensive immigration reform, but I don’t think that it’s appropriate for people to be coming across the border illegally. So we’ve got to work now on comprehensive immigration reform," he stated.
This stance appears to contrast with the more progressive platform Sanders advocated during his 2020 presidential bid. At that time, he supported dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), proposing a pause on deportations pending a comprehensive audit of immigration enforcement practices. He also advocated for halting construction of the border wall, ending the "Remain in Mexico" policy, decriminalizing illegal immigration by classifying it as a civil infraction, and lifting prior restrictions on federal funding for sanctuary cities.
However, while seemingly embracing certain aspects of border security, Sanders strongly condemned the potential consequences of mass deportations, particularly those advocated by Trump. He argued that deporting "20 million people who are in this country who are undocumented" would "destroy the entire country." He emphasized the crucial role undocumented workers play in essential sectors like agriculture and meatpacking, sectors he believes Trump’s wealthy allies are unlikely to fill. "Because I got news for you: Trump’s billionaire friends are not going to pick the crops in California that feed us," Sanders stated. "They’re not going to work in meat-packing houses. That’s what undocumented people are doing."
Sanders proposed a multi-faceted approach to immigration reform, including guest worker programs, but prioritizing comprehensive legislative solutions. His comments highlight the complex economic realities tied to immigration and the potential disruptions caused by large-scale deportations.
Karl pointed out that illegal immigration had "exploded under Biden." Sanders conceded that the current administration "should have done much better, no argument," acknowledging shortcomings in the Biden administration’s handling of the issue.
Sanders’ recent remarks come amid his "Fighting Oligarchy Tour," a series of events aimed at combating the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. He was joined by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, for five events across Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.
During a rally at Arizona State University, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized the importance of inclusivity and solidarity, urging attendees to fight for those they don’t know. "No matter who you voted for in the past, no matter if you know all the right words to say, no matter your race, religion, gender identity or status," she said, "no matter even if you disagree with me on a few things, if you are willing to fight for someone you don’t know, you are welcome here." Her message underscored the importance of collective action and empathy, regardless of individual differences.
Sanders’ evolving stance on border security and immigration reflects the complex and often contradictory nature of the issue. While maintaining his progressive values and advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, he appears to acknowledge the need for stronger border enforcement and a more pragmatic approach to addressing illegal immigration. Whether this represents a genuine shift in his thinking or a strategic effort to broaden his appeal remains to be seen. The coming months will likely reveal more about his specific policy proposals and his overall vision for immigration reform. The comments also highlight the intense pressure the Biden administration faces regarding border security, and the topic remains a potential political liability for the Democratic party.
The fact that a politician as established and ideologically consistent as Sanders is willing to re-evaluate his past statements on a polarizing issue illustrates the evolving political landscape and the need for adaptable solutions to complex challenges. The debate surrounding immigration policy continues to be a defining issue in American politics, with implications for the economy, society, and national security. Sanders’ contribution to this debate, regardless of its consistency with his previous positions, serves to broaden the dialogue and highlight the multifaceted nature of immigration policy in the United States.
