Cato Institute Study: 30 Years of Immigration Saved America $14.5 Trillion in Deficits

by Nomad

 

A recent Cato Institute study (published February 2026 by David J. Bier and colleagues) delivers a striking message: Over the past three decades (1994–2023), immigrants—both legal and undocumented—have been a major fiscal asset to the United States, not a burden.

The Cato Institute is a well-known American think tank that promotes libertarian ideas. Because of its heavy focus on free-market economics and funding ties to conservative donors (like the Koch family) it is generally thought of as a right-wing organization. 

However, they consider themselves libertarian in their policy positions, typically advocating diminished government intervention in domestic, social, and economic policies and decreased military and political intervention worldwide. 

That's the reason why this study raised a few eyebrows.

The researchers built on the respected National Academies of Sciences model, analyzing real historical data from federal, state, and local budgets across those 30 years. They tracked taxes paid versus benefits received (including welfare, education, healthcare, pensions, and more), and factored in savings from reduced government borrowing.

Asking AI: Can the US President Sue His Own Justice Department? A Legal Oddity Explained

by Nomad.

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 The New York Times reported in October of 2025:

President Trump is demanding that the Justice Department pay him about $230 million in compensation for the federal investigations into him, according to people familiar with the matter, who added that any settlement might ultimately be approved by senior department officials who defended him or those in his orbit.

So I asked DeepSeek - a research-oriented AI- a simple question: Can a sitting president sue his own Justice Department and if that's possible, can he settle out of court? 

Here is its response:

Vetting the Enforcers: How ICE Decides Who Wields the Badge

by Nomad

“They didn’t ask very many questions.” Independent journalist and U.S. military veteran Laura Jedeed recounts how she was hired as a deportation officer by Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a six-minute interview at a job fair in Texas, despite never signing any paperwork, not having completed a background check, likely failing a drug test, and publicly sharing her opposition to the Trump administration and its anti-immigrant crackdown. 

“It seems like the answer to the question, 'Who are they hiring?' is: They don’t know.”

(Courtesy of Democracy NOW!)

The Voice of the Enemy: Unpacking the Story of "Lord Haw-Haw"

by Nomad

During the dark early days of World War II, as Nazi Germany's forces swept across Europe, a peculiar and sinister voice crackled across the radio airwaves into British homes. 

It was a voice dripping with mockery, condescension, and false camaraderie, delivering Nazi propaganda in an affected, upper-class British accent. The British public dubbed its owner "Lord Haw-Haw." This figure became one of the most infamous traitors in modern history, but his story is more complex than the simple caricature of a turncoat.

Light on the Porch: A Nomadic Politics Exclusive Music Video

by Nomad

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday.  

May your Christmas be filled with warmth, laughter and the comfort of being surrounded by love. I am so grateful for our friendship and I hope the season brings you peace, joy and beautiful moments that remain with you into the new year.