Kamala Harris Criticized for Scolding Americans Over « Merry Christmas » Amid Immigration Debate
A resurfaced video of Kamala Harris from 2017 has stirred controversy, showing the then-senator chastising Americans for saying « Merry Christmas » while discussing immigration. In the clip, Harris is visibly upset that people were celebrating the holiday without considering the plight of « Dreamers, » or illegal immigrants who hadn’t been granted legal status or amnesty.
“How dare we speak ‘Merry Christmas’? They won’t have a Merry Christmas,” Harris exclaimed, condemning Americans for celebrating without acknowledging the challenges faced by those living in the U.S. without permanent legal status.
The Context of Harris’ Remarks
The video came to light during a time when Congress was debating the Dream Act, which aimed to provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients. Harris’ comments were made while former President Donald Trump had recently ended the DACA program, which protected some undocumented minors from deportation. Trump had also called on Congress to find a compromise that would extend protections for Dreamers while also enhancing border security.
In 2023, DACA was ruled unlawful by a Texas federal judge.
Kamala Harris’ Stance on Immigration
Harris has long been an advocate for more lenient immigration policies. In 2019, she co-sponsored a bill called The American Dream Employment Act, which would allow DACA recipients to work as staffers or interns in Congress. Harris, at the time, argued that Dreamers should be able to « give back to their country » by contributing to government work.
Her stance has raised concerns among critics who view her as supporting open-border policies. As a presidential candidate, Harris has worked to reframe her image, presenting herself as tough on border security, but her past comments and legislative actions suggest a more extreme position on immigration.
A Polarizing Figure
Kamala Harris’ views on immigration continue to polarize the public. While she remains a staunch advocate for protecting illegal immigrants, her critics argue that her policies encourage illegal entry into the U.S. and undermine the rule of law. If elected President, some believe she would push for even looser border controls than those seen under the Biden administration, making it more challenging to secure the U.S. southern border.
Despite her efforts to rebrand herself, her past remarks, like the « Merry Christmas » controversy, remain a reminder of her more extreme stance on immigration.
