Vance Urges Legal Immigration Cuts at Turning Point Event/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Vice President JD Vance called for a major reduction in legal immigration during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi. He argued the U.S. needs to slow immigration to preserve social cohesion. Vance also defended Trump’s executive power and spoke against foreign conflicts.
JD Vance on Immigration and Policy Quick Looks
- Vance called for “way, way” lower legal immigration numbers.
- He spoke at a Turning Point USA event at Ole Miss.
- Criticized Biden’s immigration approach for straining social unity.
- Emphasized assimilation and cultural cohesion for newcomers.
- Defended Trump’s foreign policy and Middle East strategy.
- Backed National Guard deployments to Democratic-led cities.
- Justified Trump’s executive actions and prosecution of political rivals.
- Charges against Trump dismissed after his 2024 re-election.
- Erika Kirk introduced Vance, honoring late founder Charlie Kirk.
- Erika encouraged young conservatives to stand firm in their beliefs.
Deep Look
JD Vance Calls for Reduction in Legal Immigration at Mississippi Turning Point USA Event
OXFORD, Mississippi — Vice President JD Vance called for a dramatic decrease in legal immigration during a student-focused event hosted by Turning Point USA at the University of Mississippi. Speaking directly to college attendees, Vance emphasized that the United States needs to lower its legal immigration intake significantly to preserve national identity and social cohesion.
“We have to get the overall numbers way, way down,” Vance declared during the Q&A portion of the event, which was part of the “This Is the Turning Point” campus tour. Although pressed for specifics, Vance declined to offer a target number, instead insisting that the current legal immigration levels are too high.
The event marked Vance’s continued embrace of hardline immigration rhetoric that echoes President Donald Trump’s policies. He criticized President Joe Biden for allowing too many people into the country, claiming it posed a threat to America’s “social fabric.”
“When something like that happens, you’ve got to allow your own society to cohere a little bit,” he said. “To build a sense of common identity, for all the newcomers — the ones who are going to stay — to assimilate into American culture. Until you do that, you’ve got to be careful about any additional immigration.”
Strong Views on Foreign Policy and Executive Power
Vance also used the platform to advocate for a reduced U.S. footprint abroad, arguing against American involvement in what he labeled “unnecessary foreign conflicts.” He praised former President Trump’s diplomatic strategies in the Middle East and highlighted the administration’s recent strike on Iranian nuclear facilities as a sign of strength without overextension.
Even as U.S. military actions intensify in Venezuela and target drug-transporting vessels, Vance remained consistent in his view that American deaths must be avoided in wars that don’t serve vital national interests.
Shifting to domestic policy and constitutional authority, Vance responded to a student’s concern about Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Democrat-controlled cities. He defended the administration’s use of federal power and dismissed fears that future presidents might use similar authority against conservatives.
“We cannot be afraid to do something because the left might do it in the future,” Vance asserted. “The left is already going to do it regardless of whether we do it.”
He pointed to Trump’s past prosecution under the Biden administration as justification. Trump had been charged with hoarding classified documents and attempting to overturn the 2020 election results but saw those charges dismissed after his 2024 re-election.
Turning Point USA and Erika Kirk’s Emotional Introduction
The evening held deeper significance for the organization, as it was one of Erika Kirk’s first public appearances since taking over as the leader of Turning Point USA. Her late husband, Charlie Kirk, the group’s founder, was killed earlier this year, making Vance’s appearance symbolically poignant.
Introducing Vance on stage, Erika wore a white “freedom” T-shirt, a nod to the one Charlie was wearing when he was shot. Her speech was emotional and defiant, encouraging young Christian conservatives to stand firm in their beliefs even at personal cost.
“Being on campus right now, for me, is a spiritual reclaiming of territory,” she told the crowd, referring to Charlie’s legacy and his mission to shift college campuses rightward.
“If you’re worried about losing a friend — I lost my friend. I lost my best friend,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. Her message resonated with many in the crowd, receiving standing applause.
A Broader Strategy for the 2026 Midterms?
Vance’s appearance and rhetoric suggest the administration is looking to energize young conservative voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections. His firm stances on immigration, national security, and conservative cultural identity are consistent with Trump-era populist strategies that prioritize domestic unity, reduced foreign entanglements, and aggressive executive action.
His alignment with Turning Point USA also signals that college campuses remain a battleground for ideological influence, and the administration is investing in maintaining its momentum among Gen Z conservatives.
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