Comparing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Latin America
Comparing Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Latin America
What are the U.S. presidential candidates’ records on the region? And how might they approach issues like immigration and trade if elected?
On September 10, the two major U.S. presidential candidates—Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump—will face off in their first, live televised debate. While there is no theme for the debate, issues relating to the United States’ relationship with Latin America, including the U.S. southern border, the USMCA trade agreement, and immigration may animate the debate, considering their centrality on the campaign trail. In August 2024, respondents to a Gallup survey rated immigration as the single most important problem in the United States.
Both candidates have experience with the region. As president, Trump renegotiated the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and traveled to Buenos Aires for a G20 meeting. And, he’s cultivated relationships with leaders like Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazilian ex-President Jair Bolsonaro.
As vice president, Harris spearheaded a major U.S. initiative related to Central America and traveled to Mexico to meet with President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Where do the candidates now stand on the U.S. relationship with Latin America? AS/COA Online compares the nominees on issues like immigration policy, trade agreements, and the crisis in Venezuela.
AS/COA covers 2024's elections in the Americas, from presidential to municipal votes.
From Title 42 to TPS, learn about major U.S. policies affecting Latin American migrants and asylum seekers.
Top political consultants Dough Sosnik and Russ Schriefer tell AS/COA’s Eric Farnsworth why migration at the U.S. Southern border may define the 2024 vote.
Joe Biden has endorsed his vice president to be the Democratic nominee. What are her positions on hemispheric issues?
Many countries in the Americas have not recognized Nicolás Maduro’s declaration of victory and most are calling for the release of full results.