In a recent address, Vice President JD Vance called for a reduction in legal immigration, emphasizing the need to significantly lower the number of immigrants entering the United States. “We have to get the overall numbers way, way down,” Vance stated on Wednesday.

During an engagement at the University of Mississippi, organized by Turning Point USA, Vance fielded questions from students, stepping into a role reminiscent of the late founder Charlie Kirk’s debate style.

While discussing immigration, Vance argued that the current levels are excessively high, though he refrained from specifying an exact figure when questioned by a participant. He criticized the immigration policies of former President Joe Biden, suggesting they have allowed an influx that challenges the nation’s social cohesion.

“When such situations arise, it’s vital to let society develop a cohesive identity, enabling newcomers — those who are here to stay — to integrate into American culture,” Vance explained. “Until that happens, I believe we should be cautious with further immigration.”

Vance also addressed the importance of preventing American casualties in “unnecessary foreign conflicts,” praising former President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and military actions such as strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, the U.S. has increased military operations against Venezuela and targeted drug-smuggling vessels, according to the Trump administration.

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.”