Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) faced backlash this week after arguing during a congressional hearing that the U.S. needs “many illegal immigrants,” which comes as the U.S. experiences a historic flood of illegal aliens into the country because of President Joe Biden’s policies.
Nadler made the remarks during a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement hearing on Thursday about the “Impact of Illegal Immigration on Social Services.”
“We need immigrants in this country,” Nadler said. “Forget the fact that our vegetables would rot in the ground if they weren’t being picked by many immigrants — many illegal immigrants.”
“The fact is the birth rate in this country is way below replacement level, which means our population is going to start shrinking,” he added. “And the ratio of people on Social Security and Medicare is going to increase relative to the number of people supporting them.”
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Imagine if a Republican said this and not Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler:
"Our vegetables would rot in the ground if they weren't being picked by many immigrants — many illegal immigrants!"
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) January 12, 2024
Former Trump administration immigration adviser Stephen Miller responded to Nadler’s remarks on X: “Yes, all the millions of illegals from 150+ countries spanning the globe are going to Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, etc. to work in the fields.”
“What a tired, vapid, exhausted and stupid cliche,” he continued. “Just utter nonsense.”
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) also called out Nadler, writing: “Immigrants do more than pick vegetables, Jerry — they contribute to our economy, our culture, our community. They are doctors, nurses, home health aides, lawyers, professionals, and yes, ag workers.”
“No one is against immigration — but there must be a process,” he continued. “What is happening at the border is a catastrophe and cannot continue. Secure the border and fix our broken immigration system so that those who want to come here and contribute to our economy can do so, and do so legally.”