US VP Kamala Harris, Guatemala’s president Bernardo Arevalo talk immigration

26/3/2024 12:16

        U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris hosted Guatemala's president, Bernardo Arevalo, at the White House on Monday to bolster his fledgling government and discuss how to reduce migration from Central America.
        
        Harris's meeting underscores U.S. support for the new, reform-minded president, whose inauguration was delayed in January by opponents seeking to weaken his authority.
        
        At the start of their meeting, Harris said the U.S. "was proud to stand with you, Mr. President, following a free and fair election and throughout your transition," adding that the "will of the people of Guatemala, by our observation, has triumphed."
        
        Immigration has become a hot button issue in President Joe Biden's and Harris's 2024 re-election campaign, with Republicans charging the administration with mishandling spikes in numbers of new immigrants crossing the U.S. border.
        
        The White House accuses Republicans, led by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, with torpedoing a bipartisan bill that would have tightened border enforcement.