To be sure, immigration (whether enforcement or otherwise) is not often the number one issue for voters. In the 2025 elections, it was one of the top-five concerns, but it was outranked by the economy, cost of living and/or health care. Still, the issue is only growing in its visibility and salience.

As One Nation rises by recycling anti-immigration rhetoric, both major parties are fumbling their response – missing the chance to offer a clear, credible and principled long-term plan.