On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance referenced Senator Bernie Sanders’ historic opposition to open borders. This served as a defense for the Trump administration’s current immigration crackdown and a criticism of those in the U.S. who identify as socialists. The remarks show an unusual point of agreement between these ideologically different politicians.
The administration is taking action to suspend several companies from using a key employment-based immigration pathway. It is also intensifying its scrutiny of visa programs utilized by businesses and universities. Vance’s statements were made during a press conference announcing actions against companies accused of misusing employment visa programs. He claimed that many socialist politicians today have strayed from focusing on protecting workers.
“It’s funny, back in 2016, one of the most interesting things that happened was when Bernie Sanders, then, of course, the leading socialist in the United States of America, was asked about open borders,” Vance told Newsweek at a press conference. “He gave an answer that sounded similar to Stephen Miller’s, where he said, of course, we’re not going to have open borders because that’s going to displace American workers.”
Vance contended that the contemporary American left has shifted its stance, suggesting that immigration policies should favor U.S. workers over foreign labor.
His comments defended the Trump administration’s decision to suspend companies like Microsoft, Adobe, and several IT outsourcing firms from participating in the Labor Department’s PERM program. This program allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency. Vance stated that the administration’s investigation discovered Microsoft had laid off approximately 6,000 American workers while still employing around 6,300 non-citizens hired through H-1B visas. Officials accused some companies of replacing domestic workers with cheaper foreign labor.
Vance indicated that Sanders once shared a concern about immigration’s impact on labor-market competition. Sanders rejected open-border policies, believing that unrestricted migration could hurt American workers’ wages and employment opportunities. Vance contrasted this view with those held by many current socialist candidates.
“It’s honestly, it’s a hard term to define these days,” Vance said of socialism. “Very often socialism, classically, you would think socialism is about prioritizing workers.”
While Sanders is a prominent progressive leader in America, he has always separated immigration reform support from endorsing open borders. During his campaigns, Sanders maintained that countries need functioning borders and immigration systems, even as they pursue broader humanitarian and economic reforms.
Sanders consistently advocated for secure U.S. borders while pushing for policies that provide legal status and citizenship pathways for millions of undocumented immigrants living in the country. He has supported enhancing border technology and personnel but has opposed large-scale wall construction as the primary solution.
This story is developing. Further updates will be provided as they become available.