Vice President JD Vance has called for a significant reduction in the number of legal immigrants entering the United States, asserting on Wednesday, “We need to drastically decrease the overall numbers.”

Vance addressed University of Mississippi students during an event organized by Turning Point USA, stepping into a debate role often held by the late Charlie Kirk, the organization’s founder.

When asked about the ideal figure for legal immigration, Vance refrained from specifying a number but insisted it should be “much lower than current levels.” He criticized the immigration policies under former President Joe Biden, arguing they have admitted an excessive number of individuals, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s social cohesion.

“When we experience such an influx, it’s crucial to give our society time to unify and develop a shared identity. This allows newcomers who are staying to fully assimilate into American culture,” Vance explained. “In my opinion, until that assimilation is achieved, we must be cautious about further immigration.”

Additionally, Vance emphasized the importance of avoiding American casualties in “unnecessary foreign conflicts.” He praised former President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and the targeted strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. This comes as the U.S. increases military actions against Venezuela and targets vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as per the Trump administration’s claims.

Asked whether Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Democratic-led cities will lead to a future president using that government power against conservatives, he said his allies shouldn’t be worried about Trump’s exercise of executive power. He justified Trump’s targeting of his political enemies by pointing to his arrest during Biden’s administration. He was charged with illegally keeping classified documents after his first term and attempting to subvert the 2020 election he lost, but the charges were dismissed after he was elected to his second term a year ago.

“We cannot be afraid to do something because the left might do it in the future,” Vance said. “The left is already going to do it regardless of whether we do it.”

Vance was introduced by Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, in one of her first public appearances since she took over her husband’s role leading Turning Point.

“Being on campus right now, for me, is a spiritual reclaiming of territory,” she said, reflecting on Kirk’s love of visiting universities and his mission to move campuses to the right.

Wearing a white “freedom” shirt like the one her husband wore when he was shot, Erika Kirk urged young Christian conservatives to courageously fight for their beliefs and not fear the social consequences.

“If you’re worried about losing a friend—I lost my friend,” she said. “I lost my best friend.”