Rufo & Lomez Why Republicans Worked with Democrats to Bring Illegal Aliens to America
Dec 9, 2025
Mark Krikorian, the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies, discusses the complex forces behind America's immigration crisis. He argues that the crisis might not be a failure but rather a coordinated effort influenced by elite interests. Krikorian explores the divide between established views and public sentiment within the GOP, the historical context of immigration restrictions, and the importance of assimilation. He also touches on practical strategies for reducing immigration and reshaping policies to benefit American workers.
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Numbers Are The Central Fact
- The immigrant population has reached a historic high, exceeding 50 million and the highest foreign‑born share ever recorded.
- Mark Krikorian warns numbers will keep rising absent major policy changes like a century ago.
Elite–Public Divide Explained
- A persistent elite–public split kept immigration off the conservative agenda for decades until Trump changed the dynamics.
- Elites often downplayed restrictionist sentiment that existed among ordinary Republican voters.
Material Motives Aren't The Whole Story
- Economic incentives (cheap votes, cheap labor) explain part of pro‑immigration politics but ideological factors matter too.
- Some elites view nationhood skeptically, reducing support for strict borders.
