Conservative Think Tanks Debate America’s Identity and Immigration Policy

Restoring America launched a new think-tank series called “The Right Way Forward,” designed to spark genuine debate among conservatives about the post-Trump movement. In its second session, the forum focused on American identity and immigration, inviting experts from several conservative institutions. Luma Simms of the Ethics and Public Policy Institute reflected on the naturalization oath’s demand for a mental shift in allegiance.

David P. Deavel of the University of St. Thomas in Houston argued that immigration is beneficial only when it is legal, limited, and culturally manageable. Andrew Arthur of the Center for Immigration Studies warned that without deportations, the Department of Homeland Security becomes a perpetual benefits system. Chad Wolf and Tony Pham of the America First Policy Institute urged support for identifying abused undocumented children, criticizing blanket opposition to ICE. The panel underscored a deep divide over whether America is defined by its founding ideals or a specific cultural heritage.