As governor, Walz supported "sanctuary" policies and services for illegal immigrants, which was considered a victory for open borders.

The selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate has sparked renewed examination of his immigration and border security record, specifically his advocacy for driver's licenses for undocumented individuals and his push to establish Minnesota as a sanctuary state.

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, criticized the Harris/Walz ticket as a victory for open borders, socialism, and Iran just moments after the pick was announced.

The Republican National Committee accused Walz of flooding illegal immigrants with benefits by creating an "Office of New Americans" to help immigrants and refugees integrate into the United States.

The committee emphasized the bill signed into law by Walz last year, which enables illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stated that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are two open borders, weak on crime, and defund the police liberals who make up the most radical, far-left ticket in the history of our country.

Last week, Walz rejected Trump's plan to construct more walls along the southern border, joking that he'd instead invest in a ladder factory.

"I always say to him, 'Let me know how high the wall is.' If it's 25 feet, then I'll invest in the 30-foot ladder factory," he said on CNN. "That's not how you stop this."

As governor, Walz supported measures that made illegal immigrants eligible for a tuition-free college program and expanded access to MinnesotaCare, including those in the country illegally. In 2018, he appeared to voice support for "sanctuary policies."

"In 2018, he told CBS News that his stance on Minnesota becoming a sanctuary state is based on who is responsible for enforcing immigration laws. He believes that Congress has given federal agencies the authority to enforce immigration laws in Minnesota, but not local law enforcement. He argues that law enforcement should focus on enforcing state and local laws, not federal immigration laws, and strongly believes they should not do so."

"When local law enforcement resources are focused on local crimes and people feel safe to cooperate fully with the police, all Minnesotans are safer. For instance, if your neighbor witnesses someone breaking into your home, you are safer when your neighbor knows their immigration status will not be at risk if they call the police."

Walz was criticized by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., for his previous statements.

Johnson stated that the most liberal presidential candidate in history has selected a progressive running mate who advocates for socialism, supports sanctuary cities, and wants to issue driver's licenses to the millions of illegal aliens that Kamala Harris has allowed into the country.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott characterized the pairing as the "most perilous P/VP ticket in history."

As a congressman, Walz received praise from left-wing activist groups and criticism from immigration hawks. The American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) gave him 100% ratings for his votes, while NumbersUSA gave him a D career rating and an F- for the 115th Congress.

NumbersUSA, an organization advocating for reduced immigration, highlighted Sen. Graham's support for the American Promise Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for TPS-protected illegal immigrants, as well as his votes on legislation restricting family separation and increasing refugee numbers.

The group positively noted a 2008 vote to increase funding for the construction of a border fence and a 2012 measure to place cell towers on the border for Border Patrol agents to use.

The governor faced pressure from state Republicans to send the National Guard and implement other solutions to address the crisis at the border.

"In 2021, the Republican Governors' Association criticized Walz for not assisting Border Patrol and law enforcement in addressing the humanitarian and security crisis at the border, stating that his refusal to intervene was indefensible. They urged him to put aside politics and take action to address the crisis."

Harris emphasized his commitment to "fighting for middle class families."

"As a governor, coach, teacher, and veteran, he has delivered for working families like his own. We are going to build a great partnership. We start out as underdogs but I believe together, we can win this election."