While serving as California’s attorney general, Vice President Kamala Harris supported illegal immigrant Sergio Garcia’s bid to acquire a law license. Despite opposition from the Obama administration, Harris argued in a 2012 Supreme Court brief that the government could not block Garcia from obtaining his law degree. The move was seen as consistent with state and federal policies encouraging immigrants, both documented and undocumented, to contribute to society. Ultimately, Garcia became the first undocumented immigrant to practice law in California, receiving the Medal of Valor from AG Harris before becoming a citizen and voting for Harris in the 2020 presidential election.
Harris’s stance on the issue put her at odds with then-President Obama, whose Department of Justice opposed granting Garcia a law license, citing violations of federal immigration law. However, Harris’s endorsement was seen as crucial in persuading the state bar, civil rights groups, and Latino lawmakers to support Garcia’s case. Dean Kevin Johnson of UC Davis Law School praised Harris for not shying away from political controversy and standing by the State Bar of California and Garcia. Harris’s support led to legislation being passed that allowed the licensing of individuals regardless of their immigration status, ultimately resulting in Garcia practicing law in the state of California.
The Garcia situation was one of several instances in which Harris’s positions on immigration were to the left of the Obama administration. In the 2019 presidential primary, Harris criticized the administration’s policy of deporting illegal immigrants who had not committed crimes beyond crossing the border. She recalled issuing a directive as attorney general of California to sheriffs not to comply with ICE detainers, emphasizing public safety and community interests over deportation policies. Harris reiterated her differences with Obama on illegal immigration in a 2019 interview with Univision’s Jorge Ramos, stating that Obama was “wrong” on deportations and ICE detainers.
Critics of Vice President Harris have accused her possible visit to the southern border this week as a “political stunt.” The latest Scripps News/Ipsos Poll showed that a majority of respondents supported the idea of mass deportation, with a higher percentage trusting former President Trump over Harris to handle the issue of immigration. Despite criticism, Harris has faced challenges in navigating the complexities of immigration policy, often at odds with her own party and the previous administration. It remains to be seen how Harris will address immigration issues as vice president and whether her previous positions will continue to influence her decision-making.
Harris’s support for Garcia’s law license highlights her commitment to immigrant rights and participation in society. Her willingness to take a stand on controversial issues, even when it contrasts with the policies of her party or the administration, reflects her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities. As vice president, Harris’s handling of immigration issues will be closely scrutinized, especially as she navigates the demands of the border crisis and the expectations of both supporters and critics. Whether Harris can reconcile her past positions with current challenges remains to be seen, but her history of advocating for immigrants suggests a commitment to addressing the complexities of immigration policy in a changing political landscape.
