Bill Maher Disagrees With Actor About US Having Enough Space For More Immigrants

Bill Maher and John Leguizamo Discuss Immigration on Podcast

Comedian Bill Maher engaged in a heated debate with actor John Leguizamo on a recent podcast, arguing that the United States has ample space for more immigrants. This discussion took place against the backdrop of former President Joe Biden’s approach to immigration, which has been characterized by one of the highest levels of net immigration in US history.

According to an analysis of government data mentioned in a December 2024 New York Times article, Maher contended that the significant deportation efforts by former President Donald Trump were a direct response to what he saw as Biden’s ineffective immigration policies. Interestingly, he pointed out that Leguizamo seemed unconcerned about the increasing number of immigrants entering the country.

“Part of this is a backlash towards how badly Biden has treated the immigration situation,” Maher expressed. “It’s not just ‘come, come on everything.’”

Leguizamo countered, stating, “There’s plenty of space here.”

Maher then questioned what Leguizamo meant by “room,” to which the actor replied, “There’s no shortage of rooms in America.”

Maher rebutted, clarifying, “But that’s not about the room. It’s about resources, and… countries have to cross borders.” He mentioned a survey suggesting that around 200 million individuals worldwide would migrate to the United States if given the chance.

“Why don’t they? Many countries, sorry, Citorre,” Maher commented, suggesting that there’s a strong desire for people to move here.

Leguizamo also took issue with the term “Shitholes,” emphasizing the vital role of migrant workers in the U.S. economy. “But most Americans, the wise middle-school people, yes, of course, we’re an immigrant well country, but I think there needs to be some order in that,” Maher responded. “It can’t just be, ‘come, come all.’”

Maher voiced support for New York Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed that his city is unable to manage the influx of immigrants. As a designated sanctuary city, New York has grappled with numerous challenges since Texas began sending illegal immigrants there under the Biden administration.

In an earlier interview, Adams conveyed to Tucker Carlson that the city is struggling to provide adequate resources for illegal immigrants. “There were some that came here, which was almost six months to a year, and sometimes two years without permission to work,” he shared.