CJ Pearson, Co-Chair of the GOP Youth Advisory Council, said that housing affordability issues for young Americans are linked to the large number of visa holders in the U.S. The statement was made on X.
“If you want to know why young Americans can’t afford a home, look no further than how a full 55 MILLION people are here on visas,” said Pearson. “And that doesn’t even include the illegals.”
The Trump administration has initiated a review of over 55 million U.S. visa holders, including students, workers, and tourists, as part of a broadened immigration crackdown. According to the Associated Press, this “continuous vetting” program examines social media activity, requires applicants to unlock electronic devices during interviews, and flags visa holders for overstays, crimes, or security concerns, thereby increasing deportation risks.
A 2025 analysis by Pew Research Center indicates that 46% of immigrants in the U.S. are naturalized citizens, 23% are lawful permanent residents, 4% are temporary visa holders, and 27%, approximately 14 million people, are unauthorized. This breakdown underscores that temporary visa categories constitute only a small portion of the population compared to those who secure long-term residency or citizenship.
Housing affordability remains a significant challenge for young adults. Mortgage Professional America reports that only 36.4% of Americans under 35 owned a home in Q2 2025—the lowest rate among any age group—citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Rising mortgage costs and an increasing price-to-income ratio are identified as key factors deterring younger generations from homeownership.
Pearson is a conservative commentator and activist born in 2002 who co-chairs the Republican National Committee’s Youth Advisory Council. Wikipedia notes that he gained prominence as a teenage political influencer and has advocated for stronger immigration enforcement while working to amplify youth voices within the GOP. He often positions himself as a bridge between Gen Z and party leadership.
