As the presidential campaign opens up new space for xenophobic hate in mainstream politics, organized nativist and white nationalist movements have continued to expand into it.
While Hillary Clinton’s campaign has failed to advocate for policies that resist nativist goals, such as an end to programs profiling Muslims, Donald Trump’s campaign and the GOP are increasingly providing a platform for leaders of the extremist movements that promote them.
ANTI-IMMIGRANT AND ANTI-MUSLIM THREATS IN THE UNITED STATES: A QUARTERLY ASSESSMENT | FALL 2016
Meanwhile, nativist activity at the state level has been limited because most legislatures have finished their sessions for the year. Unfortunately, just because anti-immigrant activity is not visible does not mean it’s not happening. For instance, the state-wide anti-immigrant group Oregonians for Immigration Reform (OFIR) has already filed two nativist ballot proposals for the 2018 election. OFIR failed to qualify similar ballot measures for the 2016 election, but advocates should be prepared for a more robust effort for the midterm election.
Nativist activity at the state level has been limited because most legislatures have finished their sessions for the year. But, unfortunately, just because anti-immigrant activity is not visible does not mean it’s not happening.
Similarly, the failure of anti-refugee legislation in states across the country does not mean these efforts will end. Organized nativist movements are already preparing anti-refugee measures for 2017. If we don’t fight back, these bills could turn into laws.
The rise of nativism and the white nationalist alt-right has continued over the past quarter and is likely to be reflected at the state and national level in the coming months. The result of the presidential election will certainly influence the way in which organized racist movements advocate in the public sphere. But regardless of the outcome, nativist movements will surely remain a force to reckon with for the foreseeable future.
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