Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance made waves during Tuesday night’s CBS News Vice Presidential Debate by backing up his claims on immigration’s impact on housing costs with hard data, even after facing pushback from moderators. The debate, moderated by CBS’s Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell, saw Vance assert that increased immigration has contributed to the rise in U.S. housing prices. The moderators immediately challenged him, attempting an on-the-spot “fact-check,” but Vance wasn’t deterred.
Following the debate, Vance took to social media to provide evidence supporting his argument, proving he was prepared to substantiate his claims. On X (formerly Twitter), Vance shared quotes from credible sources, including a statement from Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Michelle Bowman.
In a speech delivered at the Massachusetts Bankers Association Annual Convention in May 2024, Bowman acknowledged the pressure immigration can place on housing: “Given the current low inventory of affordable housing, the inflow of new immigrants to some geographic areas could result in upward pressure on rents.” Vance used this to underscore his debate point—that immigration affects housing affordability, especially in areas already grappling with housing shortages.
But Vance didn’t stop at Bowman’s remarks. He also cited a study from the Journal of Housing Economics that found immigration inflows into specific Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are correlated with increases in both rents and housing prices. The study emphasized how this surge in demand, combined with limited housing supply, pushes costs higher, not only in the immediate areas but also in neighboring regions.
As promised earlier tonight, here is Michelle Bowman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors:
“Given the current low inventory of affordable housing, the inflow of new immigrants to some geographic areas could result in upward pressure on rents.”https://t.co/dfO0wFmyPs pic.twitter.com/KfDjPaZC7G
— JD Vance (@JDVance) October 2, 2024
Furthermore, Vance referenced a report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) that highlighted the fiscal strain immigration can place on state and local governments. The report pointed out that while immigration brings some economic benefits, it also raises spending on critical services, including housing, education, and healthcare—often more than it generates in revenue. This strain contributes to rising housing costs, as demand for affordable housing outpaces supply.
These points directly contradicted the moderators’ challenges during the debate, revealing that Vance’s claim was not only valid but backed by substantial research. His ability to produce solid evidence on the issue gave him a strong position, especially as immigration continues to be a hot-button topic in discussions about the U.S. economy and housing market.
Beyond the policy debate, the night highlighted ongoing frustrations from Republicans over what they see as biased moderation. Throughout the CBS debate, Vance was frequently interrupted and fact-checked, while his opponent, Democratic nominee Tim Walz, appeared to face far less scrutiny. This isn’t an isolated incident.
In the previous vice presidential debate hosted by ABC, former President Donald Trump also encountered what many Republicans labeled as aggressive and unfair moderation. Tuesday night’s debate seemed to follow that same trend, with the CBS moderators leaning heavily into fact-checking Vance—even when his claims held up under scrutiny.
