Vice Chancellor’s Remarks on Immigration at Turning Point USA Event
Vice Chancellor J.D. Vance addressed the complexities of mass immigration during an event hosted by Turning Point USA at the University of Mississippi. His speech, which he prepared alongside Erica Kirk, underscored the significance of avoiding unnecessary foreign entanglements, strengthening U.S. borders, and prioritizing American citizens.
During the Q&A session, a student, who mentioned her girlfriend was studying in the U.S. on a student visa, inquired about Vance’s stance on legal immigration. Vance stated, “My job as vice president is not to consider the interests of the whole world.”
He elaborated, pointing out the influx of immigrants in the U.S., attributing it partly to the current administration’s border management and various flawed immigration policies. According to research from Pew, by January 2025, over 53 million immigrants resided in the U.S., making up more than 15% of all residents and 19% of the workforce.
Vance argued that a significant number of legal immigrants coming into the country each year suppresses American workers’ wages, linking this wage stagnation to the reforms championed by President Trump concerning H-1B visas. He expressed concern over the misuse of these visas, stating their original intention was to attract global talent, yet many are used to employ foreign accountants at a discount, rather than supporting American professionals seeking fair pay.
He insisted on the need to lower immigration numbers significantly, suggesting it is essential for the nation to form a cohesive identity before permitting more immigration.
One student’s response indicated her strong disagreement, specifically regarding Vance’s wishes for his Hindu wife to consider Christianity and his views on limiting legal immigration. She expressed her discontent, questioning, “What is this? When did you decide on that number? You made us invest our youth here and gave us dreams.” She challenged Vance on how he could advocate for reduction when some immigrants have rightful claims to be in the U.S.
Throughout the discussion, Vance maintained that immigration policy needs to evolve with current realities while respecting obligations to those who previously entered. “We can’t have a policy reflecting what was suitable decades ago that could limit possibilities in the future,” he explained, reiterating that his primary focus as vice president is on the American populace.
While not all attendees seemed satisfied with his America First perspective, there was a notable applause from the audience. Vance concluded with a motivational note, urging the crowd to “keep striving to preserve the United States of America” and to resist falling into despair.
