In brief
In his address at the University of Mississippi, Vice President JD Vance advocated for a reduction in legal immigration, critiquing the previous administration's policies and warning that unchecked immigration threatens societal cohesion. He justified stronger immigration controls by promoting the need for newcomers to assimilate into American culture. Additionally, Vance discussed foreign policy, particularly American involvement in overseas conflicts, evoking former President Trump’s strategies. Erika Kirk, widow of the late Turning Point founder, also spoke, encouraging conservative youth to stand firm in their beliefs.
Vice President JD Vance advocated a slowdown in legal immigration Wednesday, saying, “We have to get the overall numbers way, way down.”
Vance took questions from students at the University of Mississippi at an event organized by Turning Point USA. He criticized former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, claiming they allowed too many immigrants into the country, which, according to him, threatens the social fabric of the United States.
When pressed for specifics, Vance suggested that the optimal number of legal immigrants should be significantly lower than current levels. He argued, “When something like that happens, you’ve got to allow your own society to cohere a little bit, to build a sense of common identity, for all the newcomers to assimilate into American culture.”
Alongside immigration, Vance echoed sentiments regarding avoiding American casualties in "unnecessary foreign conflicts," touting President Trump’s Middle East diplomacy.
He was introduced by Erika Kirk, widow of the slain Turning Point founder, who encouraged young conservatives to passionately fight for their beliefs, reminiscing about the brave activism of Charlie Kirk.
Vance justified Trump’s previous exercise of presidential power, suggesting that Republicans should not fear potential political attacks from the left, asserting that the left would likely follow through regardless.
“We cannot be afraid to do something because the left might do it in the future,” Vance stated. “The left is already going to do it regardless of whether we do it.”
