Secretary of State Marco Rubio forcefully defended the United States’ right to control and vet immigration during a press briefing on December 19, emphasizing that generosity must be matched with accountability and national sovereignty.

Rubio noted that the United States remains one of the most generous countries in the world when it comes to legal immigration, issuing nearly one million green cards in 2025 alone. However, he stressed that generosity does not eliminate the government’s responsibility to know who is entering the country and to ensure that new arrivals do not pose security risks or overwhelm public resources.

“We do have a right, like every sovereign country does, to know who you are,” Rubio stated. “We have a right to make sure you're not going to come to this country and impose a burden on our social safety network.” His remarks came amid the administration’s decision to pause refugee admissions and the Diversity Visa program following what officials describe as serious vetting failures under the prior administration.

According to Rubio, an estimated 15 to 20 million migrants entered the United States over recent years with insufficient screening, creating strains on communities, public services, and enforcement systems. He argued that restoring order to the immigration system is not anti-immigrant, but pro-law, pro-safety, and pro-worker.

The secretary reaffirmed support for legal, merit-based immigration while drawing a clear distinction between lawful entry and uncontrolled migration. He emphasized that effective screening protects both American citizens and legitimate immigrants who follow the rules and seek opportunity through lawful channels.

Rubio’s comments reflect a broader push to reassert border integrity, strengthen vetting procedures, and ensure that immigration policy serves the national interest. Supporters argue that the approach restores credibility to the system, reinforces the rule of law, and preserves America’s capacity to remain a welcoming nation without sacrificing security or economic stability.