Who Is Stephen Miller?

Stephen Miller was born on August 23, 1985, in Santa Monica, California. He was raised in a liberal, Democratic household. It is striking that Miller is the great-grandson of a Jewish immigrant who fled persecution in Eastern Europe, yet he has embraced harsh anti-immigration views often compared to authoritarian ideologies of the past.

Miller’s uncle, David Glosser, has publicly stated that Miller’s policies would have condemned their own family to death had those policies existed when their ancestors were seeking refuge. Glosser noted that if travel bans, refugee restrictions, and limits on family-based immigration had been in place in the early 1900s, his family “would have been wiped out” before ever reaching safety in America.

In high school, Miller’s views stood in sharp contrast to the diverse and progressive environment of Santa Monica. He was outspoken and frequently challenged multicultural programs and bilingual education. He opposed the Chicano Student Movement of Aztlán and reportedly taunted immigrants rather than engaging with them, insisting that students and teachers speak only English.

He is said to have ended a friendship because a classmate was Hispanic. Miller also opposed celebrations such as Cinco de Mayo and objected to bilingual announcements. He confronted school committees formed to support Hispanic and Black students and argued that racism no longer existed, claiming it was a problem of the past. Classmates later described him as rude, racist, and deliberately provocative.

Miller studied political science at Duke University, where he wrote opinion columns for The Duke Chronicle that continued his criticism of multiculturalism. He led conservative campus groups and made media appearances to promote his political views. After graduating, he entered Republican politics, working on Capitol Hill as a communications director and political aide.

Understanding Stephen Miller’s personal background and political positions provides important context for the role he has played in shaping American immigration debates—and helps explain why his actions generate both intense criticism and strong support.

Written by: Cheryl Hays

President, Democratic Club of Greater Tracy