National Conservatism Conference Highlights Immigration as Key Issue

Illegal immigration emerged as a central theme at the National Conservatism (NatCon) conference held in Washington, D.C., this week, with speakers emphasizing that deportation alone is insufficient to address the challenges posed by both illegal and legal immigration.

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Tom Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, reported that nearly 400,000 deportations have occurred this year. He noted, "Just wait and see" the potential impact of adding 10,000 more Homeland Security agents to the efforts. Homan also highlighted a significant reduction in the average daily number of individuals evading border patrol, dropping from 1,800 during the Biden administration to just 16 recently.

The conference featured discussions on various topics, including the future of the conservative movement regarding social issues and U.S. foreign relations. However, immigration consistently surfaced as a pressing concern. Attendees voiced a growing recognition of the long-term effects of immigration on American culture and society.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier pointed out the electoral implications of counting undocumented immigrants in the census. He stated that this practice disproportionately benefits states like California and New York, potentially affecting the distribution of congressional seats. "Each illegal immigrant disenfranchises an American," Uthmeier said, emphasizing the need for reform.

Critics of current immigration policies argue that both legal and illegal immigration have contributed to societal challenges. Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, noted that 54% of immigrant households rely on at least one welfare program, with 59% of illegal immigrant households using some form of welfare. He stressed the importance of prioritizing assistance for American citizens over foreign nationals.

The conference also addressed the H-1B visa program, which has faced scrutiny for allegedly displacing American workers. Uthmeier referenced Senator Bernie Sanders' assertion that the program primarily serves to replace well-paying jobs with lower-wage labor. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among conservatives about the impact of immigration on American jobs and culture.

Auron MacIntyre, a speaker at the conference, criticized the current immigration approach, arguing that it undermines traditional American values and community structures. He stated, "Bringing in foreign underclasses is far more reliable because they have zero connection to the land or its traditions." MacIntyre's comments resonated with many attendees who share concerns about the cultural implications of immigration.

The NatCon conference concluded with a call for a reevaluation of U.S. immigration policies, advocating for a reduction in legal immigration and stricter enforcement of existing laws. Proponents of these changes argue that a more selective immigration process is necessary to preserve American culture and ensure the well-being of citizens.

As the debate over immigration continues, the NatCon conference has highlighted the urgency of addressing these issues within the conservative movement. The discussions reflect a growing consensus among conservatives that a comprehensive approach to immigration reform is essential for the future of the United States.