In recent months, cable television host Tucker Carlson has attention for touting the "great replacement" theory, a dangerous conspiracy theory that states that welcoming immigrants – particularly nonwhite immigrants – is part of a plot designed to "replace" or undermine the political power and culture of white people living in Western countries.
The truth is, this didn’t start with – in fact, the ideologies underpinning the "great replacement" theory have always been present in the American debate on immigration, from the 1920’s "national origin" immigration quotas enacted by Congress to former Rep. Steve tweets. We can connect numerous acts of hate and violence in recent years to the spread of the "great replacement" theory from Pittsburgh to El Paso, and this dangerous ideology has risen in popularity and become more mainstream in recent years.
It’s tempting to simply ignore conspiracy theories, especially those so wrapped in xenophobia and extremism. But it’s imperative that we understand the history of nativism in the U.S., highlight those who are pushing back – including former Presidents George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama and
others – and push back as well in our communities.
Our new resource page is designed to help you better understand the danger of the "great replacement" theory, its origins, and how you can combat it in productive ways in your community.
, welcome immigrants and refugees in your communities, and stand up to hate and fear.
Laurence Benenson
Vice President of Policy & Advocacy
National Immigration Forum
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