Policy Priorities

  • SECURE THE BORDER
    A nation without borders is no nation at all. At one time, physical border barriers were considered a commonsense and bipartisan approach to securing our homeland. 

  • END HUMAN TRAFFICKING
    Human trafficking is extremely lucrative to those who seek to gain from enslaving others. It accounts for an estimated $150 billion in annual global profits and is far more prevalent than many realize. 

  • DEFEAT THE CARTELS
    The Mexican drug cartels are public enemy #1 to the American people and they are trafficking a record number of migrants and fentanyl across the southern border.

The America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) Homeland Security & Immigration is devoted to protecting the American people, American interests, and the American way of life. Our “America First” approach requires an immigration system that prioritizes border security and the value of citizenship, a strong and persistent counter-terrorism effort, resiliency of our critical physical and digital infrastructure, and agility in the face of ever-shifting foreign threats and influence.

As our world becomes more complex, so do the threats we face. Terrorism remains a global reality, and America’s ability to prevent attacks in the United States is only as strong as its weakest link at any given moment. America’s enemies no longer need to physically come to our shores to hurt us in the digital age. Threats that strike at the heart of our infrastructure—and, therefore, our civilization—can be achieved with the touch of a button from anywhere in the world. In some cases, these threats are sponsored or shielded by foreign governments; in some cases, they are foreign governments. While these threats are omnipresent, courageous leadership at all levels of government and society is essential for success and security.

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Latest

Expert Insights | August 21, 2025

Congress Must Act to Prevent Sanctuary Jurisdictions from Harboring Criminal Illegal Aliens

To keep the American people safe and preserve our nation’s sovereignty, state and local governments have a powerful role to play in realigning the current incentive structure to deter illegal immigration and empower federal law enforcement. It is a significant piece of the America First Agenda to combat the troubling trend of sanctuary jurisdictions shielding illegal aliens from enforcement and accountability.

Op-Ed | August 18, 2025

After Years of Neglect, Southern California Is Finally Secure from Border Threats

After four years of chaos, President Trump’s border policies are finally generating relief at the Southwest border. In the entire month of June, Border Patrol's San Diego Sector encountered 895 aliens attempting to cross the border illegally. Compare this to June 2024, when Border Patrol encountered 25,612 illegal aliens in the San Diego Sector. This represents a historic 97 percent decrease in just one year.

Expert Insights | August 7, 2025

Stopping Chinese Fentanyl Requires a New Approach

Today, Americans face a silent but deadly invasion across our southern border. Fentanyl is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans every year. This crisis is not merely a public health emergency; it is a national and homeland security threat of the highest order. The root cause of this scourge lies not at the border but in China, where fentanyl precursors and the financing that fuels their production originate. A bold and innovative strategy is needed to counter this threat.

Op-Ed | August 2, 2025

I’m a Vietnamese Refugee. We Are Proud to Speak the Language of Our New Home as All Immigrants Should

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, waves of South Vietnamese refugees fled to the United States, seeking freedom and safety. About 125,000 refugees were airlifted initially, with upwards of 800,000 refugees fleeing in the years following – many of whom ended up settling in the U.S. As of 2017, Vietnamese-Americans comprise approximately 3% of America’s immigrants, and represent the sixth-largest foreign-born population.

Op-Ed | August 1, 2025

Mexico Enables Cartels, Trump Calls Their Bluff

President Donald J. Trump is once again proving he's the only leader globally willing to hold Mexico accountable for their role in perpetuating the deadly fentanyl crisis.

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