John Tanton

John H. Tanton (main photo for Wikipedia)

John Tanton (February 23, 1934 – July 16, 2019) was an American ophthalmologist, environmentalist, and anti-immigration activist. He was a prominent figure in the debate over immigration policy in the United States and founded several organizations that advocated for reduced immigration levels.

Early Life and Education

John Tanton was born in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a rural area and developed an early interest in conservation and the environment. Tanton attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology in 1956. He later received his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1960 and specialized in ophthalmology.

Career

Tanton practiced ophthalmology in Petoskey, Michigan for several decades. However, his career extended beyond medicine into environmental and immigration activism.

Environmental Activism

Tanton was deeply concerned about overpopulation and its impact on the environment. He was involved with several environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club and Zero Population Growth (now known as Population Connection). His environmental advocacy often intersected with his views on immigration, as he believed that reducing immigration was essential to controlling population growth and protecting natural resources.

Anti-Immigration Activism

John Tanton is best known for his anti-immigration activism. He founded or co-founded several influential organizations, including:

• Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in 1979
• Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) in 1985
• NumbersUSA in 1996

These organizations have been influential in shaping the national debate on immigration policy. Tanton's views on immigration were controversial, and he was often criticized for his associations with individuals and groups accused of promoting nativism and racism.

Controversies

Tanton's anti-immigration stance and his associations with controversial figures and organizations led to significant criticism. Documents released in the late 1980s revealed that Tanton had expressed concerns about the cultural and demographic impact of immigration, which many interpreted as xenophobic and racist. These revelations led to a distancing of some mainstream environmental and population control organizations from Tanton and his initiatives.

Personal Life

John Tanton was married to Mary Lou Tanton, and the couple had two daughters. He was an avid reader and writer, authoring numerous articles and papers on immigration and environmental issues.

Death

John Tanton passed away on July 16, 2019, at the age of 85 in Petoskey, Michigan.

Legacy

Tanton's legacy is complex and polarizing. While he is credited with bringing attention to the environmental impacts of immigration, his methods and associations have left a controversial mark on the immigration debate in the United States.

See Also

• Federation for American Immigration Reform
• Center for Immigration Studies
• NumbersUSA
• Immigration to the United States
• Environmentalism