Former President Donald Trump asked in the Sept. 10 ABC News Presidential Debate why Vice President Kamala Harris was not doing anything about people crossing into the United States from the southern border.
He offered what he thought Harris should do, adding, “I would be very proud to do it.”
“Go down to Washington, D.C., and let her sign a bill to close up the border because they have the right,” he said.
A president’s power to shut down the border has come up several times this spring, as Republicans pressured the Biden administration to take more action to curb border crossings. President Joe Biden through executive action this year created restrictions that temporarily block migrants from seeking asylum when border encounters hit a certain number. As vice president, Harris does not sign laws. Biden tapped Harris at the beginning of his administration to lead response to certain border challenges, something Republicans have used more broadly to accuse Harris of inaction on the issue. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is responsible for U.S. Border Security.
According to the latest PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, more than two-thirds of Americans say they will watch all or most of the debate. While many voters have already made up their minds, 14 percent of Americans say the debate will have a great impact on which candidate they choose.
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