Portrait of JD Vance
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JD Vance on European Immigration

Urges end to mass migration (strong)

JD Vance, in his capacity as Vice President, has made his opposition to mass immigration in Europe a key component of his foreign commentary, particularly when addressing European leaders. He argues that the current levels of migration are a self-inflicted crisis and represent the biggest threat to the continent, surpassing even external actors like Russia or China. Vance ties this issue to the concept of national sovereignty, suggesting that European leaders have ignored the will of their voters on border control.

Vance specifically contends that the electorate did not consent to the influx of large numbers of unvetted migrants into European nations. He drew a parallel to the United States, noting that both regions have seen historically high levels of immigration resulting from conscious political decisions. His rhetoric calls for an end to this trend as a necessary step for rebuilding Western civilization and ensuring national safety and prosperity.

Context

JD Vance's focus on European immigration is part of his broader national conservative and right-wing populist framework, which prioritizes national interests, often termed "America First". His comments on the issue were made while serving as Vice President during the Trump administration, often linking European domestic policy to broader transatlantic security and diplomatic relations. In his speeches, Vance framed uncontrolled migration as a primary domestic security threat for both Europe and the United States, suggesting it undermines Western civilization.

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomatic speech
    Urged European officials to stem illegal migration during his address at the Munich Security Conference.
  2. Political address
    Claimed uncontrolled immigration is the "greatest threat" to Europe and the US while speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Key Quotes

"The greatest threat in Europe - and I'd say it was the greatest threat in the United States until about 30 days ago - is that you've had the leaders of the West decide that they should send millions and millions of unvetted foreign migrants into their countries."

CPAC speech February 20, 2025 — Stating what he believes is the biggest threat to Europe and the recently governed US.

"no voter on this continent. went to the ballot box to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants."

Munich Security Conference speech February 14, 2025 — Addressing European officials about the mandate they supposedly lack for current migration levels.

"I believe there is nothing more urgent than mass migration."

Munich Security Conference speech February 14, 2025 — Ranking immigration as the top security concern for Europe at the conference.

Related Positions

  • US Immigration Policy His strong opposition to European mass migration suggests a parallel conservative approach to border security and immigration within the United States.
  • Transatlantic Relations His sharp criticism of European leadership on immigration and other issues, like free speech, has been noted as potentially damaging to decades-long US-EU relations.

Criticism

European leaders/officials

Vance's rhetoric at the Munich Security Conference reportedly stunned European leaders and was called a declaration of "ideological war" against allies.