Vice president JD Vance is facing major criticism after claiming that mass migration amounts to the 'theft of the American Dream.' His comment quickly sparked a political storm, as many pointed out that his wife, Usha Vance, is the daughter of Indian immigrants.
Some critics even mocked his message, suggesting sarcastically that he should 'send her back to India' if he truly believed what he said.
Vance made his statement in a post on X, arguing that large-scale migration takes opportunities away from American workers. He also claimed that studies disagreeing with him were funded by people who benefit from the current immigration system. His message drew an immediate wave of reactions online.
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Author and political commentator Wajahat Ali responded sharply, saying that Vance’s own family would be subject to his idea if it were taken literally.
This controversy follows another debate involving Vance’s recent comments about cultural and racial preferences. During an interview on the New York Post podcast, Vance said it was “totally reasonable and acceptable” for Americans to prefer neighbors who share their race, language, or skin color. Civil rights groups strongly condemned these remarks, calling them divisive and discriminatory.
Vance, who often echoes former President Donald Trump’s style of messaging, also blamed the Biden administration for creating an immigration system that he claims “promoted division.”
When asked whether a returning Trump administration would try to deport all undocumented migrants, Vance said, “We’re trying to remove as many as we possibly can.”
His immigration statements also reopened discussion about comments he made last month about his wife’s Hindu faith. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event, Vance said he believed Usha would eventually share his Christian faith.
He mentioned that she attends church with him and that he “honestly does wish” she might one day convert. Many people viewed this as insensitive toward her religion. Vance later softened his tone, saying he respects his wife’s beliefs and that she has no plans to convert.
The debate around Vance’s comments comes at a time when immigration has become an even bigger political issue. On December 3, the Trump administration ordered US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to suspend all immigration applications from 19 countries labeled as “high-risk.”
This includes green cards, citizenship, and asylum claims. USCIS said the decision was based on security concerns following a deadly shooting in Washington, DC, involving an Afghan asylum seeker. The suspension freezes more than 2.2 million asylum cases and forces new interviews for refugees approved under the previous administration.
Critics say Vance’s tough rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to stir fear about immigration before the elections. They argue that his own family benefits from the immigrant story he now dismisses.
They also warn that such comments risk alienating Asian American and Hispanic voters, who form an increasingly important part of the electorate.
Instead of fueling division, many believe leaders should pursue practical, bipartisan immigration reforms. They note that immigrants contribute greatly to the U.S. economy and culture. Vance could highlight his wife, Usha’s, success as an example of the American Dream working when immigration is handled responsibly.
