Every lethal terrorist attack in the United States since 9/11 has been carried out by an American citizen or a legal permanent resident, not by recent immigrants or by refugees. So tamping down immigration won't fix the real issue, which is 'homegrown' terrorism.

In this quote, Peter Bergen argues that the focus on limiting immigration in response to terrorist attacks in the United States is misplaced. He points out that every lethal terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11 has been carried out by American citizens or legal permanent residents, not by recent immigrants or refugees. Bergen suggests that the real issue is homegrown terrorism—terrorism committed by individuals who are already citizens or permanent residents of the country, rather than outsiders entering through immigration channels.

The origin of this quote stems from Bergen's work as a national security expert and his extensive analysis of terrorism and counterterrorism. As a journalist and author, Bergen has studied the causes and patterns of terrorist activity, particularly in the context of the U.S. He uses this observation to challenge the narrative that immigration policy can effectively address the issue of terrorism in the country, arguing that a more nuanced approach is needed.

Bergen’s point underscores the distinction between the perceived threat posed by immigrants and the reality of domestic radicalization. While there are concerns about terrorist infiltration through immigration channels, Bergen highlights that the majority of terrorist attacks are carried out by individuals born or legally residing in the U.S., making the focus on immigration control somewhat misguided. He emphasizes that the true threat lies in the radicalization of individuals already within the country.

Ultimately, this quote calls for a shift in the focus of counterterrorism efforts, advocating for addressing homegrown terrorism through strategies like de-radicalization, community engagement, and law enforcement interventions, rather than restricting immigration. Bergen’s statement challenges the assumption that immigration policy is the primary solution to combating terrorism, urging a more comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of domestic radicalization.