In response to my post of October 3, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Johnnie Byrd, https://www.facebook.com/johnniebyrd, asked me this question:
"Sonny I am wondering if you could spell what a great job Kamala would be doing if elected other than to bring in another 10 million undocumented Democrats …"
Photo courtesy of
The Florida Bar
Dear Johnny,
Thank you for your interest in my post written by Heather Cox Richardson who provides a factually documented - and frightening - summary of events that are threatening the very essence of our American Democracy.
I find it unfortunate that you, a person of significant stature, would choose to ignore Ms. Richardson's extraordinary assessment of the dangers facing the future of our country and instead pose a meaningless and blatantly untrue tired political trope to score some kind of point.
Nevertheless, here some facts you might want to consider:
The claim that Kamala Harris would “allow 10 million illegal immigrants to enter the country” is not only misleading—it’s factually baseless and politically inflammatory. As someone who has spent years working in public policy and community advocacy, I believe we, you and I, owe it to whomever might read this to separate rhetoric from reality.
The facts:
Kamala Harris has never proposed an open-border policy. In fact, her immigration stance would blend enforcement with reform. As Vice President, she supported a bipartisan border security bill that would have added over 1,500 Border Patrol agents, expanded detention capacity, and increased the number of immigration judges to reduce backlogs.
As Vice President her primary assignment on immigration was diplomatic: to address the root causes of migration from Central America. She worked with leaders in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to reduce violence, poverty, and corruption—factors that drive irregular and illegal migration. It was a long-term strategy aimed at stabilizing the region, not encouraging unlawful entry.
The “10 million” figure you cited actually refers to cumulative border ENCOUNTERS—not successful entries. Many were repeat attempts, and the vast majority are processed and either expelled or detained. According to Customs and Border Protection, THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THE U.S. SINCE 2021 IS CLOSER TO 2.4 MILLION—a far cry from your hyperbolic claims.
Finally, Ms. Harris has stated her support for creation of legal pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, long-term undocumented residents, and essential workers. This approach is consistent with long held American values and economic interests, not partisan manipulation.
Many believe that a Harris administration could “chart a new course” by restoring asylum protections, managing the border humanely, and recognizing immigrants’ contributions to our communities. That’s a far more nuanced and responsible vision than the extreme and hurtful measures now underway by the radical right.
For your consideration.
Sandspur
Here's my response:
Dear Johnny,
Thank you for your interest in my post written by Heather Cox Richardson who provides a factually documented - and frightening - summary of events that are threatening the very essence of our American Democracy.
I find it unfortunate that you, a person of significant stature, would choose to ignore Ms. Richardson's extraordinary assessment of the dangers facing the future of our country and instead pose a meaningless and blatantly untrue tired political trope to score some kind of point.
Nevertheless, here some facts you might want to consider:
The claim that Kamala Harris would “allow 10 million illegal immigrants to enter the country” is not only misleading—it’s factually baseless and politically inflammatory. As someone who has spent years working in public policy and community advocacy, I believe we, you and I, owe it to whomever might read this to separate rhetoric from reality.
The facts:
Kamala Harris has never proposed an open-border policy. In fact, her immigration stance would blend enforcement with reform. As Vice President, she supported a bipartisan border security bill that would have added over 1,500 Border Patrol agents, expanded detention capacity, and increased the number of immigration judges to reduce backlogs.
As Vice President her primary assignment on immigration was diplomatic: to address the root causes of migration from Central America. She worked with leaders in Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to reduce violence, poverty, and corruption—factors that drive irregular and illegal migration. It was a long-term strategy aimed at stabilizing the region, not encouraging unlawful entry.
The “10 million” figure you cited actually refers to cumulative border ENCOUNTERS—not successful entries. Many were repeat attempts, and the vast majority are processed and either expelled or detained. According to Customs and Border Protection, THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF MIGRANTS ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN THE U.S. SINCE 2021 IS CLOSER TO 2.4 MILLION—a far cry from your hyperbolic claims.
Finally, Ms. Harris has stated her support for creation of legal pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, long-term undocumented residents, and essential workers. This approach is consistent with long held American values and economic interests, not partisan manipulation.
Many believe that a Harris administration could “chart a new course” by restoring asylum protections, managing the border humanely, and recognizing immigrants’ contributions to our communities. That’s a far more nuanced and responsible vision than the extreme and hurtful measures now underway by the radical right.
For your consideration.
Sandspur
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