U.S. Vice President JD Vance is facing considerable backlash after declaring that mass migration constitutes a "theft of the American Dream". His statement, posted on X, has been widely condemned as hypocritical and xenophobic, particularly because his wife, Usha, is the daughter of Indian immigrants. Critics have responded bymockingly suggesting that Vance should "send her back" to India.
Vance argued in his post that large-scale immigration deprives American workers of opportunities. He further claimed that studies contradicting his stance are funded by "people getting rich off the old system". This statement has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including activists, academics, and political opponents. Author and political commentator Wajahat Ali responded to Vance's statement, writing, "That means you have to send Usha, her Indian family, and your biracial kids back to India".
The controversy surrounding Vance's remarks comes on the heels of other contentious statements he has made regarding race, cultural preferences, and religion. In a recent podcast appearance, Vance stated that it was "totally reasonable and acceptable" for Americans to prefer neighbors who share their race, language, or skin color. These remarks were heavily criticized by civil rights groups.
Vance, who often echoes rhetoric similar to that of former President Donald Trump, also blamed the Biden administration for fostering an immigration system that he believes has "promoted division". When questioned about whether a future Trump administration would deport all undocumented migrants, Vance stated, "We're trying to remove as many as we possibly can".
Adding to the controversy, Vance's past comments about his wife's Hindu faith have resurfaced. At a Turning Point USA event last month, Vance expressed his hope that Usha would eventually convert to Christianity, noting that she attends church with him and that he "honestly do(es) wish" she might eventually share his Christian faith. His statement was interpreted by many as insensitive, considering Usha's religious identity.
The firestorm around Vance's comments coincides with escalating actions regarding immigration policy. On December 3, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an immediate suspension of all immigration applications, including green cards, citizenship, and asylum claims, from 19 "high-risk" countries previously targeted by travel bans. This decision was purportedly triggered by heightened security concerns following a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan asylum seeker. The directive has frozen pathways for thousands of families and workers, halted decisions for over 2.2 million asylum cases, and mandated re-interviews for refugees admitted under the previous administration.
Vance's recent rhetoric, which frames mass migration as "theft" and delves into racially charged preferences, is seen by some as a calculated strategy to weaponize economic anxiety into cultural fear. As immigration remains a polarizing issue in American politics, JD Vance faces increasing political pressure.
