Encyclopedia · Organization
Disambiguation: This immigration-policy organization is not the Fair Elections Fund (Foundation for Accountability, Integrity & Research in Elections Fund), a separate election-administration nonprofit discussed in Chapter 9.
Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
American nonprofit advocating restrictions on immigration
Organization details
- Founded
- 1979
- Founder
- John Tanton and co-founders
- Activities
- Immigration-policy advocacy and research
- Political classification
- Describes itself as nonpartisan; advocates immigration restrictions
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is an American nonprofit advocating for restrictions on immigration. It is unrelated to the election-focused Fair Elections Fund.
History
The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) was founded in 1979 with John Tanton as a leading organizer. It advocates stronger border controls and reductions in some categories of lawful and unauthorized immigration.
Public policy activities and staffing links
FAIR publishes immigration reports and lobbies government. Historical reporting identifies former FAIR staff who later held positions at USCIS, including Julie Kirchner and Robert Law. Those career moves are documented personnel trajectories, not a claim that FAIR directed USCIS.
References
Research compiled through November 12, 2026. Sources and historical roles are dated where known.