Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) Friday expressed his strong support for securing the United States' southern border during an interview with CNN.

On the show The Lead, hosted by Jake Tapper, Fetterman emphasized the importance of safeguarding the border, as Fox News reported.

He highlighted that the massive influx of 300,000 illegal immigrants is hindering legal migrants from achieving their "American dream."

Border Security and Immigration Inquiry

In the interview, Tapper inquired with Fetterman regarding the ongoing migrant challenge, expressing his view that the surge is posing challenges to our immigration system.

While acknowledging his strong support for legal immigration, the senator called for a "secure border" and wondered why some of his progressive critics take issue with this stance.

Addressing Progressive Criticism

Tapper also asked Fetterman about the criticism he has faced from progressive quarters, particularly regarding his pro-Israel and pro-border security views.

Fetterman responded with confusion about the controversy surrounding his positions. He stated, "I honestly don't understand why it's controversial to anybody to decide that you're going to stand with Israel in this situation. I honestly don't understand why it's controversial to say we need a secure border."

The Pennsylvania Democrat also recalled how his support for immigration was used against him by Republicans during his campaign, stressing that his wife's family background exemplifies his belief in legal immigration.

He underscored the necessity of maintaining a secure border while being a strong supporter of legal immigration, asserting that both can coexist.

Impact on Legal Immigration

The senator pointed out the difficulties faced by legal immigrants due to the surge in illegal border crossings.

He said, "I think about immigration is, we want to provide the American Dream for any migrant. But it seems very difficult when you have 300,000 people showing up, encountered at our border to do that."

Call for Bipartisan Cooperation

Concluding his interview, Fetterman called for a "reset" in the United States' border policies.

He urged both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to collaborate and develop a comprehensive solution to address the ongoing crisis.

Fetterman's Evolving Political Stance

Over the past few months, Sen. Fetterman has been vocal about the issues at the southern border, encouraging lawmakers to engage in constructive dialogue.

In a statement to Politico in December, he said, "It's a reasonable conversation, and Democrats should engage. It's a reasonable conversation, and Democrats should engage."

Fetterman's approach to border security and other key issues marks a significant shift from his earlier progressive stance.

His unwavering support for Israel, particularly after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, his advocacy for a secure border, and his willingness to call out corruption within his party, as seen in his criticism of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), have garnered him increased support from conservative circles.