Dem lambasts remark on immigration: 'We're not going to have anyone around to wipe our arses' sparking controversy

Vermont’s at-large U.S. House Representative found herself under fire on Tuesday after a video clip emerged showing her making controversial remarks about immigration policy and labor needs in America. In the footage, Rep. Becca Balint warned that without increased federal immigration, "we’re not going to have anyone around to wipe our a--es," a statement that has sparked intense backlash from political opponents and some members of the public.

The comments quickly drew condemnation from Vermont Republican Party Chairman Paul Dame, who called for Balint to apologize not only for what he described as her "crude choice of words" but also for the "disturbing sentiment" suggesting that immigrants are primarily needed to perform low-wage or menial labor. Dame asserted that such an outlook was offensive and betrays a lack of respect for immigrants coming to America in pursuit of a better life and new opportunities. He lamented what he called a pattern of "coarse and vulgar language" from Vermont’s federal delegation, suggesting these remarks are emblematic of a deeper disconnect with constituents.

Dame pointed out that Vermont has a strong history of welcoming foreign workers, from high-tech employees at the Essex Junction microchip plant to physicians serving in hospitals across the state. He insisted that contributions from immigrants should be recognized across all areas of the economy, not reduced to stereotypes or offhand remarks about unskilled labor.

The controversy has also reverberated among political challengers. Mark Coester, a local businessman and Republican candidate vying for Balint’s seat in 2026, harshly criticized the congresswoman’s rhetoric. He highlighted a recent incident in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 10 construction workers the day after Balint’s comments, using it as an opportunity to question her stance on legal and illegal immigration. Former Vermont state Senate candidate Paul Bean added to the criticism, accusing Balint of disrespecting skilled tradespeople by insinuating their value lies in menial tasks and urging voters to be wary of such attitudes from their elected officials.

Balint addressed the criticism while speaking in Newport, near the Canadian border, recounting how she used to have her middle school students and their parents take the official U.S. citizenship test as part of a lesson on civic engagement and the immigrant experience. She reiterated the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform, stating, "We have to solve the immigration problem." Balint contended that Vermont’s agriculture industry, among others, relies heavily on immigrant labor and characterized the situation as "existential" for the state’s economy.

In a segment of the controversial video, Balint acknowledged her bluntness before repeating her assertion about the country’s labor shortage. She underscored that the discussion must also include ensuring fair wages and protecting the rights of all workers, regardless of background or occupation, insisting on dignity for everyone from medical professionals to farm laborers.

Addressing concerns over immigration enforcement, Balint emphasized that supporting secure borders is not inherently xenophobic, but she sharply criticized what she called "lawlessness" under the Trump administration’s immigration agencies. In a follow-up statement, she accused the previous administration of wrongfully detaining, deporting, and disappearing people, labeling the actions as "an immoral violation of fundamental human rights."

Balint closed her response by reaffirming Vermont’s reputation as a welcoming state for immigrants and refugees, vowing to continue standing up for the rights of all individuals, and expressing pride in the state’s tradition of inclusivity. "Every worker in every job deserves dignity and fair wages," she stated, promising to fight for those values on behalf of her constituents and the broader American public.