For three decades establishment Democrats and Republicans have led a bipartisan assault on
immigrants. Pulled further and further right by a vocal and organised group of nativists they
have turned the southern border region into a conflict zone breaking up millions of families
in the process.In All-American Nativism Daniel Denvir delivers a caustic takedown of liberal
triangulation on the border showing how concessions to enforcement first law and order
immigration politics hasn't placated the nativists--it has only inflamed them. Establishment
officials from both parties have allowed the right-wing to dictate our policy on migration
even as popular opinion clamours for a more humane and just approach. With the centre collapsed
the left can either demand full amnesty now or cede the ground of national belonging to
nativists and white supremacists.
