Bill Maher and John Leguizamo Discuss Immigration on Podcast

On a recent podcast, comedian Bill Maher and actor John Leguizamo engaged in a heated debate regarding the United States’ capacity to accommodate more immigrants. Maher pointed out that former President Joe Biden has overseen a significant rise in net immigration, referencing a New York Times analysis from December 2024 that highlighted this trend. He suggested that Biden’s lenient immigration policies were, in part, a response to Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts.

Maher argued that the recent influx of immigrants seems to not concern Leguizamo, who maintained that there’s ample space in the country. “There’s plenty of space here,” Leguizamo asserted. However, Maher questioned the notion of “room,” suggesting that the focus should be on resources and the complexities surrounding immigration.

“There’s a survey that says around 200 million people want to come to the U.S. if given the chance,” Maher claimed. “But why is that? Many nations—sorry, Citorre—are in tough situations.” Leguizamo then challenged Maher’s reference to “shithole” countries, emphasizing the vital role migrant workers play in the U.S. economy.

Maher acknowledged the importance of immigrants but expressed a need for a more structured approach. “Of course, we’re a country of immigrants, but there has to be some order to it; it can’t just be ‘come one, come all,'” he stated. He echoed New York Mayor Eric Adams’ concerns about the city’s ability to manage the surge of newcomers, particularly after Texas began busing migrants to New York.

In a previous interview, Adams mentioned that the city struggles to provide adequate resources for the influx, adding that some migrants arrive without work permits for extended periods. He emphasized the city’s responsibility to provide for an estimated 40,000 immigrant children, illustrating the challenges faced by local governments.