After 9-11, as some of the discourse on immigration policy became intertwined with questions of national security, the HIRC seized upon the opportunity and their agenda began to develop greater traction. During this period of growth, nativist groups provided key staffing for the Caucus. For instance, Numbers USA lobbyists Rosemary Jenks and Linda Perdue served as "virtual staffers" for Rep. Tancredo, while working out of his office, helping coordinate Immigration Reform Caucus meetings, 10 and providing regular legislative counsel.11

During the 108th Congress (2003-4) the Caucus vowed to reduce the number of legal immigrants allowed into the country and "crackdown" on the supposedly "widespread problem of voting by illegal aliens."