Immigration was once seen as a political vulnerability for Vice President Kamala Harris as he embarked on her bid to win the White House. Now, Democrats are trying to reclaim the issue, bringing in a variety of speakers at the third night of the Democratic National Convention to advocate for stronger border security and urging Congress to pass legislation to reform the immigration system.
The focus on immigration is part of the party's efforts to continue gathering the support of independent voters who are concerned about Harris not being tough on immigration.
One of the first speakers on the immigration series was Representative Veronica Escobar of Texas, a close ally of President Biden. She highlighted how Republicans blocked a bipartisan border bill earlier this year at Trump's command, a message the party has been repeating throughout the convention.
Similarly, House Democratic Caucus chairman Pete Aguilar, the highest ranking Latino in the House called for action to pass immigration bills.
"We don't have to choose between a secure border and building an America for all," the congressman said. "Under President Harris, we can and will do both."
Aguilar also argued that Harris and Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz will fight for the American dream.
In fact, advocating for that dream was Carlos Eduardo Espina, an Uruguayan influencer and content creator whose parents immigrated to Texas. Espina described himself as a law student and immigrant rights activist. He posts content in both Spanish and English.
"To be pro-immigrant is to be pro-America," Espina said.
"Kamala Harris understands this too, that's why, once elected she will reject hate and find solutions that make our nation stronger," he said. "So let's get her elected and ensure our country remains a beacon of freedom and opportunity for all."
Other immigration advocates included Bexar County, Texas sheriff Javier Salazar who attested to his faith in Harris on the issue at the border, as well as Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, who also highlighted the failed border bill.
Driving the message home were two former allies, who warned voters about the potential dangers of a second Trump term.
One of them was a former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pense, Olivia Troye, who mentioned working at the White House during the Trump administration was terrifying.
"As a Latina and daughter of a Mexican immigrant that realized the American dream," she said in Spanish, "being in Trump's White House was terrifying but what keep me up at night is what will happen if he's back there," she continued in English.
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