JD Vance’s invocation of “Rome wasn’t built in a day” reflects his acknowledgment of the logistical and political challenges in executing mass deportations, while defending the Trump campaign’s phased approach to removing undocumented immigrants. Vance, who has repeatedly called for deporting “violent criminals” first, frames the effort as a gradual process requiring sustained enforcement.
### Vance’s Strategy for Deportations
Vance advocates starting with deporting 1 million undocumented immigrants deemed “violent criminals” or threats to public safety. This mirrors former President Trump’s emphasis on border security and mirrors the Eisenhower-era “Operation Wetback,” though Vance claims current challenges dwarf past efforts.
Comparing the task to eating “a really big sandwich,” Vance argues for tackling deportations step-by-step: halting new border crossings, then systematically removing those already in the U.S.. He has suggested leveraging local law enforcement and federal resources, though specifics remain vague.
The “Rome wasn’t built in a day” metaphor underscores Vance’s view that reversing Biden-era policies—which he blames for “decimating” immigration enforcement—requires time. The adage, historically tied to patience and incremental progress, is repurposed here to temper expectations while signaling long-term commitment.
### Challenges and Criticism
– Analysts note that deporting millions would strain resources, disrupt communities, and face legal challenges. Vance’s lack of detail on funding or operational capacity has drawn skepticism.
– Critics, including Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign, label the plan “dangerous” and impractical. Catholic leaders have also condemned mass deportations as contrary to humanitarian principles.
Vance’s rhetoric aligns with a broader GOP strategy to frame immigration as a crisis requiring drastic solutions. While his phased approach aims to make the policy palatable, the scale of the task—and its human impact—remains deeply contentious.
