In this first episode of Season 3, we are back with a conversation about the origins, unlikely intersections, and influence of the contemporary anti-immigration movement. Ethan provides us with a fascinating overview of how this movement developed, from its White Nationalist origins, with significant bipartisan and centrist support. We discuss John Tanton’s network of organizations, funding sources for the anti-immigrant movement, significant legislation impacting the immigration landscape, intersections with other movements (not all right-wing) like the environmental movement and Christian nationalism, and Project 2025’s vision for immigration policy in the U.S. We end on a high note, discussing local resistance strategies to fight back.

Ethan Fauré is a Senior Research Analyst at PRA, with over a decade of experience focusing on movements promoting anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and White nationalist ideologies. Ethan works closely with other researchers, journalists, national organizations, and grassroots activists to deepen their understanding of these forces, informing resistance efforts, and their work building power across the country. 

Episode Resources

• The Tanton Network (animation). Political Research Associates, 2022.
• Where the White House Gets its Racist Immigration Policies. Ethan Fauré. Political Research Associates, 2018. 
• The National Sheriffs’ Association Strengthens the Deportation Machine. Ethan Fauré. Political Research Associates, 2019.
• Nativist Bedfellows: The Christian Right Embraces Anti-Immigrant Politics. Tarso Luís Ramos, Pam Chamberlain. Political Research Associates, 2008.
• White Borders: Author Q&A with Reece Jones. Shane Burley. Political Research Associates, 2022. 
• The Right’s Decades-Long Fight for A Census Citizenship Question. Ethan Fauré. Political Research Associates, 2019. 
• Immigrant Justice and the Right Wing's Eliminationist Agenda: A Q&A with Hamid Khan. Political Research Associates, 2018.
• Blood Red Lines: How Nativism Fuels the Right: Author Q&A with Brendan O'Connor. Ethan Faure, Ben Lorber. Political Research Associates, 2021. 
• Blurring the Border: Immigration Enforcement and Solidarity in Ohio. Austin Kocher. Political Research Associates, 2018. 

Episode Keywords

Anti-immigration, anti-immigrant, John Tanton, Project 2025, Immigration Justice, Fight the Right