In recent discussions surrounding immigration and border security, a notable claim has surfaced from Senator J.D. Vance that Kamala Harris, during her tenure as vice president, was appointed as the “border czar.” This assertion, while catchy, is misleading and deserves clarification. In truth, Harris was never designated to oversee U.S. border security, a critical area managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), currently under Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

In March 2021, President Biden entrusted Harris with a significant task: leading initiatives to address the root causes of migration from Central American countries, specifically El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. This initiative, referred to as the “Root Causes Strategy,” aims to tackle the myriad factors driving migration, including poverty, violence, and political instability. Harris’s role in this strategy involves working with these nations to combat corruption, support economic development, and provide aid for natural disasters. However, this is fundamentally different from overseeing border security.

The term “border czar” suggests a direct responsibility for managing the U.S. border, which is a crucial part of national security and immigration policy. Such a role entails overseeing enforcement, border patrol, and the intricacies of U.S. immigration laws—functions that lie firmly within the purview of DHS. The mischaracterization of Harris’s position can lead to confusion about the real challenges facing our immigration system and the complexities involved in addressing them.

Critics of the Biden administration often highlight the current immigration crisis, pointing to an increase in encounters at the southern border. While it is important to hold the administration accountable for its policies and their outcomes, conflating Harris’s focus on root causes with the responsibilities of border management undermines a more nuanced understanding of immigration issues.

It is essential for those engaging in public discourse to accurately represent the roles and responsibilities of elected officials. Misinformation can exacerbate divisions and distract from the pressing issues at hand.

In a time where our borders face unprecedented challenges, it is crucial to remain grounded in fact. The administration’s efforts to address the complexities of immigration through root cause strategies are just one piece of a larger puzzle. For a comprehensive solution to our immigration problems, we must acknowledge the distinction between addressing the root causes of migration and managing border security directly. Only through a balanced and informed dialogue can we hope to develop effective strategies that truly serve the interests of our nation and its people.