US Rep. Glenn Thompson talks Penn State student visa terminations, tariffs, more
After U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, received the Golden Plow Award on Tuesday for his contributions to agriculture, he answered questions from reporters about his stance on President Donald Trump’s policies, local impacts and more.
Thompson met with reporters for more than 15 minutes. Here’s a look at his answers to reporters’ questions, edited for length and clarity.
On tariffs
(When asked if the tariffs are necessary or a misstep)
“No, I think it’s absolutely necessary. When you look at the unfair trading provisions, we are the country that every nation, including China, needs and wants to do business with. But somehow, because of our sheer size, we’ve been taken advantage of almost by every nation. And it’s embarrassing when you look and see what past past leadership and administrations have allowed to occur. And so I just tell people to show a little grace to President Trump on trade policy. I think you’re starting to see almost every day some successes, different countries coming forward. They’re coming to the table. They’re leveling the playing field when it comes to tariffs. And so I’m looking forward to some significant success, not just for farmers but for all American manufacturers.”
On revocation of student visas
(Overall thoughts on Penn State students having visas revoked)
Thompson: “I’ve done my work on that. We’ve made ourselves available to Penn State students. I’ve been on campus speaking in the past with international students. A lot of those have been because they broke the law.”
Reporter: But there’s been no convictions.
Thompson: “Well, they broke the law, though. And some of the things have been things like DUI or even shoplifting. And some folks may look at that and say, ‘Well, that’s not much. That’s a minor infraction.’ Bottom line is, though, being in our country under a visa is a privilege, and I don’t think we’re treating that any differently than what we have seen other countries do. I worked hard to get a gentleman out of Russian prison for an infraction dealing with a prescription for medical marijuana, and it took a long time to accomplish that. We’re not incarcerating folks, but every country takes serious its visa system — and when it’s abused, there’s going to be consequences.”
(On what he would say about federal judges challenging the Trump administration/DOJ on deporting those being held)
“The judges have really no say in defining the immigration policy of our nation. That is reserved for the executive branch.”
(On where the “line” is and whether he agrees with Trump that there’s not enough time to give everyone like Kilmar Abrego Garcia a trial)
Thompson: “If you came into our country illegally, and you have a history and a record of being a gang member, of breaking the laws, such as the gentleman you talked about — there was a protection from abuse filed by his wife that involved a criminal activity. You can bet if you’re caught, you’re going to be returned to your country of origin.”
Reporter: Without due process?
Thompson: “That is due process; that is due process. You’re not a legal citizen. We know that you came here illegally; it’s documented. We know that you had a wife that filed a protection from abuse, so there is a police record there of his actions. I believe in his situation there was a DUI, and that’s a criminal act. So he has had due process in terms of, you chose to violate the law.”
(On whether he would support U.S. citizens being sent to overseas detention centers and overall immigration thoughts)
“If they’re a U.S. citizen and they’re deported, that’s clearly a mistake. You can’t be deported if you’re a U.S. citizen. ... I don’t know too many people that are opposed to the rule of law, but a U.S. citizen would not be subject to that. And, if they were, that would be a mistake, and that should be corrected.
“I work very hard on all aspects of immigration. I’ll be introducing a bill here soon in terms of the agriculture space for folks to have a pathway to be able to work on our farms if they choose to do that. They’re hard workers, they’re good family people, they get paid well. It is hard work. There’s no doubt about it. Anyone who grew up around a farm knows how challenging it is. Most of these folks are working hard; they’re sending money back home. And we need to clean up the bureaucracy on that.
“I formed a bipartisan work group — 16 members; eight Republicans, eight Democrats — I served on a part of that, and they came up with great recommendations. Most of those recommendations were unified, 100% opinion. And we have drafted legislative language on that. I’ll be putting that out for public comment by the industry, because agriculture does not have the workforce it needs. We will face food insecurity, which will lead us to rural economic insecurity and, ultimately, national insecurity.”
On the Farm Bill
(Overall thoughts on the bill)
“The Farm Bill is coming. Surrender or failure is not an option when it comes to the Farm Bill, and it is essential. What we did, the $10 billion in December, is a Band-Aid. And it’s important that we do this Farm Bill sooner than later.
“So we’re in communications now with not just bringing the House to the table, but the Senate and also the White House. So it is really important that we do this. All the things you mentioned that farmers are facing — I mentioned it in my remarks — we address a lot of that within the Farm Bill, the Farm, Food and National Security Act. For example, trade. We have two primary trade programs in the Farm Bill, and we’re doubling both of those in terms of our investment. In terms of domestic sales, obviously continue to invest in value added for local farmers to be able to go really Farm-to-Fork, whether they sell off their farm, like the Wasson family does, or at a farmers market or a specific restaurant. In terms of expanding markets, really addressing all the things that farmers are facing, this Farm Bill will do a lot to do that.”
(On what he’s hearing directly from farmers and uncertainty about the future)
“They’re a resilient group. They have concerns but, when you’re a farmer, you’re faced with uncertainty because we don’t control the weather. You don’t really set your own commodity price that you sell for; the market determines that. There’s just a lot of issues out there.
“But they also know the fact that they’re hurt, and we listen to them. I think what helps build some confidence is the fact of how I manage this Farm Bill process, traveling all across — not just my district — but all of Pennsylvania and 41 different states and one territory, and they appreciate that they’ve been heard. Are they nervous? Yeah, because these things need to be addressed, but they also know that we’re working hard to do that.”
On local protests
(On the protest that was happening outside his office, partly organized by the Centre County Dems, and having critics who want to speak with him)
“They are welcome to talk. Those types of ‘theater events’ — we know they’re mostly protesting President Trump and Elon Musk, who are doing their jobs. They’re doing their jobs in a way I think every American, including those individuals, is going to benefit.
“Quite frankly, when it comes to politics, I keep a firm divide between policy and politics. Probably not going to attend an event that’s organized by the Centre County Democrats. That just doesn’t make sense. It’s not logical. They’ve got one goal, and that is to defeat all Republicans in elections and elect Democrats, which I disagree with. But I meet with folks all day long. This is probably my fourth meeting of the day, and I do that all week long when I’m in the district.
“So people in Centre County are very fortunate. I represent 18 counties, one-third of the land mass of Pennsylvania. This is one of the counties where I choose to have an office, to make it convenient for people to call, to schedule a meeting time. And so, one or two individuals to be able to meet with, I do that all day long. I just encourage people to take take that opportunity. I respect people’s different views and perspectives, even ones that I may disagree with. And if there’s one thing 17 years has proven, based on my success in reelection, I’m a pretty good listener. My work on agriculture has reinforced that.”
