How is Kamala Harris getting away with this?

During the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2024, Kamala Harris outlined a new direction for the Democratic Party regarding immigration, signaling a shift towards more centrist policies. Her acceptance speech emphasized a commitment to border security and the revival of a bipartisan border security bill that had been previously halted by Donald Trump. This bill proposed significant funding for border security while implementing stricter measures for asylum seekers, reflecting a tougher stance on immigration. Despite concerns from progressive activists about this pivot, many are choosing to hold back their criticism for the time being. They believe that the priority should be defeating Trump and that a more favorable environment for pro-immigrant policies could emerge under a Harris administration. The current political climate has led to a broader acceptance of stricter immigration policies among Democrats, as they aim to appeal to a wider electorate. Harris's approach, described as a 'both/and' strategy, aims to balance the need for border security with the necessity of reforming the immigration system. This includes creating pathways to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents while ensuring that border policies do not vilify immigrants. The Democratic Party's shift is seen as a response to changing public sentiment on immigration, with many Americans expressing more negative views on the issue. As the party navigates this complex landscape, the challenge remains to reconcile the demands of progressive activists with the need to secure electoral victories. The ongoing debate within the party reflects a broader struggle to define its identity and priorities in the face of rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the country.