Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate has sparked renewed examination of his immigration and border security record – particularly his endorsement of driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants and his advocacy for Minnesota becoming a sanctuary state.
Shortly after the announcement, Republicans criticized the decision, with former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley branding a Harris/Walz ticket as “a victory for open borders, socialism, and Iran.”
The Republican National Committee swiftly attacked his record, alleging that he was overwhelming illegal immigrants with benefits. They pointed out Walz’s establishment of an “Office of New Americans” aimed at aiding immigrants and refugees in acclimating to the United States.
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The RNC also referenced legislation passed during Walz’s governorship, particularly highlighting his endorsement of a law last year permitting illegal immigrants to obtain a driver’s license.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addresses a press conference at City Hall on Aug. 1, 2024 in Bloomington. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz represent an open borders, crime-weakening, defund the police alliance, forming the most extreme, far-left ticket in our nation’s history,” RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stated.
Last week, Walz brushed off former President Trump’s proposals for building additional barriers at the southern border, humorously stating that he would invest in a ladder factory instead.
“He discusses this wall; I always say, let me know how high it is. If it’s 25 feet, then I’ll invest in the 30-foot ladder factory,” he remarked on CNN. “That’s not the solution.”
Under Walz’s administration, Democrats enacted policies allowing illegal immigrants access to a tuition-free college program, as reported by Axios, and expanded the state’s MinnesotaCare to cover those residing in the country illegally. In 2018, he expressed willingness to endorse “sanctuary policies.”
“My stance on Minnesota becoming a sanctuary state centers on who holds the responsibility for enforcing immigration laws,” he told CBS News in 2018. “I firmly believe that federal agencies, as assigned by Congress, are in charge of enforcement in Minnesota while local law enforcement should focus on state and local laws, not federal immigration laws.”
“All Minnesotans are better off when local law enforcement prioritizes local crimes, ensuring that everyone feels secure in reporting to the police. For instance, if a neighbor observes someone burglarizing your home, the safety is improved when your neighbor knows their immigration status won’t be jeopardized by contacting the police.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., criticized Walz for these comments and prior viewpoints.
“Now, the most liberal ‘nominee’ to join a presidential ballot has selected a progressive running mate who has shown support for socialism, sanctuary cities, and aims to provide driver’s licenses to the millions of illegal aliens permitted by Kamala Harris,” Johnson stated.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott described the partnership as “the most perilous presidential/vice-presidential ticket ever.”
“She endorses free healthcare for illegal immigrants. He enacted laws providing them with state services. Together, they create attractions for increased illegal immigration,” he posted on X.
Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
While serving as a congressman, Walz received criticism from immigration advocates and commendations from progressive activist organizations. The American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) awarded him a 100% rating for his votes. Conversely, NumbersUSA assigned him a D for his career rating and an F- for the 115th Congress.
NumbersUSA, which advocates for reduced immigration levels, highlighted his co-sponsorship of the American Promise Act, which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Additionally, they noted his votes on bills related to limiting family separation practices and increasing refugee admissions.
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However, the organization also recognized a 2008 vote to boost funding for the construction of a border fence and a 2012 initiative to install cell towers on the border for use by Border Patrol agents.
As governor, he faced demands from state Republicans to follow the lead of other governors in deploying the National Guard and proposing other resolutions to address the border situation.
“Walz’ unwillingness to assist Border Patrol and law enforcement is unacceptable,” the Republican Governors’ Association asserted in 2021. “He must prioritize solutions over politics and stop ignoring the significant humanitarian and security issues at our border.”
The Harris campaign’s announcement of Walz as her running mate did not reference any of his achievements or stances on immigration and border security, nor did they provide any immediate comments regarding his previous positions.
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In her statement, Harris emphasized his dedication “to advocating for middle-class families.”
“As a governor, coach, teacher, and veteran, he has made significant impacts for working families similar to his own. We are poised to form a great partnership,” she stated. “We may begin as the underdogs, but I have faith that together, we can secure victory in this election.”
