On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance made headlines by advocating for a significant reduction in legal immigration numbers. Speaking at an event organized by Turning Point USA at the University of Mississippi, Vance emphasized the need to “get the overall numbers way, way down.” This event marked a notable moment as Vance assumed a debate role reminiscent of the organization's late founder, Charlie Kirk.
During the event, Vance addressed a range of questions from students, including inquiries about his stance on immigration. He expressed a belief that the optimal number of legal immigrants should be “far less than what we’ve been accepting.” However, he did not provide a specific figure when pressed by a participant who sought clarity on his position. Vance strongly criticized former President Joe Biden’s immigration policies, arguing they allowed too many individuals into the country, which he claimed posed a threat to the social fabric of the United States.
“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,” Vance stated. He emphasized the importance of assimilation for newcomers, asserting that until a cohesive identity is established, caution regarding additional immigration is warranted. This viewpoint reflects a broader concern about the implications of immigration on national identity and cultural integration.
In addition to immigration, Vance discussed the need to avoid American casualties in “unnecessary foreign conflicts.” He praised former President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and the military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. This discussion took place against the backdrop of increasing U.S. military actions in Venezuela and operations targeting drug trafficking.
When questioned about Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Democratic-led cities, Vance reassured his supporters, stating that they shouldn’t fear the potential misuse of executive power by future presidents. He defended Trump’s actions against political adversaries, referencing Trump’s own legal challenges during Biden's administration. Vance pointed out that while Trump faced charges related to classified documents and election interference, these were dismissed following his re-election.
“We cannot be afraid to do something because the left might do it in the future,” Vance argued. He contended that the left would pursue its agenda regardless of conservative actions, advocating for a proactive approach to political strategy.
Vance’s appearance was preceded by an introduction from Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, marking one of her first public engagements since assuming leadership of Turning Point USA. Erika Kirk shared her reflections on her late husband’s passion for campus outreach and his vision for shifting university culture to the right. “Being on campus right now, for me, is a spiritual reclaiming of territory,” she stated, echoing her husband’s commitment to fostering conservative values among students.
Wearing a white “freedom” shirt similar to the one her husband donned during his tragic incident, Erika Kirk urged young Christian conservatives to stand firm in their beliefs and not shy away from potential social repercussions. “If you’re worried about losing a friend—I lost my friend,” she poignantly remarked. “I lost my best friend.” Her call to action resonated with attendees, encouraging them to embrace their convictions with courage and determination.
