Mark Krikorian on America's Immigration Crisis and Elite Betrayal

Unprecedented Immigration Numbers

• 📈 America has reached its highest percentage of foreign-born residents in its recorded history, a significant and unprecedented demographic shift.
• ⚠️ Projections indicate this trend will continue to rise unless there are substantial policy changes, similar to those enacted a century ago.

Elite vs. Public Opinion on Immigration

• 🎯 A fundamental divide exists between elites and the public regarding immigration policy across various institutions, including labor unions and Black organizations.
• 🗣️ While the general public often holds more restrictionist views, elite groups within institutions and the Republican party have historically been less vocal or opposed to mass immigration.
• 🚪 Donald Trump's 2016 candidacy is seen as a pivotal moment, breaking the silence on immigration within the Republican establishment that was previously hesitant due to fear of public criticism.

Motivations Behind Immigration Policy

• 💰 The traditional explanation that immigration is driven by elites seeking cheap labor and the left seeking cheap votes is considered incomplete.
• 💡 An ideological or worldview element also plays a role, with some elites exhibiting post-nationalism or embarrassment about overt patriotism, and a perception that opposing immigration is bigoted.
• 🌍 This worldview combines with material benefits, such as access to cheaper services, to drive current immigration policies.

The Role of Assimilation

• 🧩 Mark Krikorian's initial focus on immigration stemmed from concerns about assimilation, particularly regarding bilingual education.
• 🇺🇸 The core purpose of immigration, he argues, is to assimilate immigrants into Americans, a goal that is increasingly undermined.
• 📉 The challenges to assimilation have worsened due to easier physical access to the U.S. and a leadership class that is perceived as having