Insights

Vice President Kamala Harris has dedicated her efforts to increasing private investment in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, collectively known as the Northern Triangle, with the aim of creating jobs and reducing migration to the United States. Contrary to claims that she was appointed as the "border czar," Harris was tasked in March 2021 with addressing the root causes of migration and encouraging regional leaders to enforce immigration laws. Former State Department official Ricardo Zúniga noted that Harris aimed to leverage her relationship with the White House to attract investors. Harris has defended her approach, recently launching a campaign ad promising to hire more border agents and combat human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling. Democrats have criticized former President Donald Trump for undermining a bipartisan immigration bill that would have bolstered border security. Despite a significant increase in border encounters during Biden's presidency, Harris's office claims that migration from the Northern Triangle has decreased since early 2021, although the reasons for this decline remain debated. Harris's outreach has reportedly generated over $5.2 billion in investment promises, with nearly $1.3 billion already invested in the region as of June 2024. Critics argue that while her focus on long-term investments is commendable, it may have diverted attention from immediate migration enforcement issues. Notably, Harris has made two trips to Central America, where she urged potential migrants not to come to the U.S., yet she has faced scrutiny for not visiting the U.S.-Mexico border. Supporters of Harris's strategy, including former National Security Council adviser Katie Tobin, assert that her efforts have made a significant impact in a challenging investment environment. However, some contend that external factors, such as changes in leadership in El Salvador, may have played a more substantial role in the observed decrease in migration.