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Here at The Center for Growth and Opportunity, we have a unique way of confronting challenges. Relentless optimism. Bold commitment. Fearless innovation. We want to leave the world a better place than when we got here. Whether it’s our award-winning students, or our world-class researchers, we look to work together to find creative solutions to today’s most pressing issues. We’re committed to turning ideas into action.

Putting the Border Patrol to work means breaking up with Title 42

With a record-setting number of border crossings in 2022, there's a clear need for more cooperation and attention on immigration.

Research shows driver’s licenses for undocumented people improves public safety

Testimony Submitted to the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee. Does granting driver’s licenses to undocumented people improve public safety?

Don’t use ‘Twitter Files’ to eliminate Section 230

It is hard not to read the drips coming from the “Twitter Files” as confirming the worst fears of conservatives: screenshots of talk show host Dan Bongino’s account with the tab “Search Blacklist,” conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s account showing “Do Not Amplify,” and internal email replies to Biden administration officials that just say, “Handled.” By compiling Slack messages, […]

What Utah is doing to make new Americans

As a whole, about one in 12 Utahns is foreign-born. That’s 258,800 new Utahns as of 2019. We’re certainly better for having them here.

What we should and should not do about kids and social media

The rise of social media seems to coincide with a rise in teenage mental illness and self-harm, Aubrey Kirchhoff writes.

ChatGPT, Obesity Drugs, Exoplanet Images, and Medical Miracles: The Most Amazing Breakthroughs of 2022

Derek Thompson talks to economist and writer Eli Dourado about the most exciting scientific and technological discoveries of the year.

Eli Dourado on Supersonic Jet Flight, Energy & Climate Innovation and Regulatory Hacking

Eli Dourado and Niklas Anzinger have a conversation about many things, including technology, innovation, and regulatory bottlenecks.

Fusion Wariness

Nuclear fusion has long been hailed as the next great energy source, capable of providing nearly limitless power.

An immigration fix Democrats and Republicans can agree on

America’s immigration system makes few happy. This bill would be a vast improvement on the current green card system.

Job Makers Podcast: Josh Smith on Immigrants’ Role in Economic Recovery

Denzil Mohammed talks with Josh Smith from the CGO about his work to show the outsized impact immigrants have on the economy and our culture.

We Don’t Need the Government to Act on Big Tech

No one wants to live in a world where the whims of political power determine what is and isn’t the truth. Use markets, not politicians.

Prohibition is a bad way to deal with flavored tobacco

On November 8, 2022, Californians will be able to vote up or down a law prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products statewide.

Twitter Isn’t a Public Square. It’s a Coliseum

Is social media a place where everyone comes together to see what's happening and talk about today's important ideas?

Big Tech is still struggling to earn the public’s trust

Taylor Barkley met with Marketplace's Meghan McCarty Carino to discuss the results of a recently published tech poll.

Immigration scholar: Requiring cooperation with ICE doesn’t make NC communities safer

Immigration policies in North Carolina have been hotly contentious and, like the rest of the US, are patch-worked across its counties.

Strict immigration enforcement does not necessarily improve public safety

The heart of the nationwide immigration debate is about managing public safety and integrating immigrants — a delicate balance.

CGO Research Fellows Present Research to Congressional Staff

A cohort of research fellows traveled to DC with Mia Love to present their research to members of Congress.

Federal Testimony: Immigration Plays a Positive Role in Strengthening America’s Workforce

National Outreach Director Mia Love testifies before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety.

Commentary: Immigration as economic and workforce stabilization

Inflation has no cure-all. Research manager Josh Smith explains how immigration can help solve the problem.

Against the ‘Vetocracy’

How should lawmakers approach the veto problem? Will Rinehart with the Center for Growth and Opportunity comments.

Make Landowners Partners in Wildlife Protection

Megan Jenkins of the Center for Growth and Opportunity joins Caleb O. Brown and discusses landowners and wildlife conservation.

Conservation easements can help 30×30 goals, if we end this loophole

Megan Jenkins and Harrison Naftel discuss the one-year anniversary of the Biden administration’s “America the Beautiful” Report.

Stop freaking out about Elon Musk buying Twitter

Before we jump to conclusions about Elon Musk buying Twitter, let’s slow down for a minute argue Christopher Koopman and Taylor Barkley.

Welcome Dr. Richard W. Evans!

The Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University is excited to welcome Dr. Richard W. Evans as a Senior Research Fellow.

Jim Bohannon Show 04-25-22

Will Rinehart, senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity, talks about Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter.

Florida Makes a Good Investment in Immigrants

On March 9, the Florida House passed the state’s immigration bill, SB1808, sending the bill to Governor DeSantis.

Remove Barriers to Productivity

The war in Ukraine and the spread of Omicron could hit supply chains and production, causing high inflation and low economic growth.

Love Wordle? You’ll hate the OAMA

Your iPhone may be getting a little less safe. Christopher Koopman explains why that is in an op-ed for Utah Policy.

The Power of Technology and Geothermal Energy

As a guest on the Political Perspectives podcast, senior research fellow Eli Dourado talks about the power of technology and tech policy.

A “vehicle for antitrust change” picks up steam

Will Rinehart, a senior research fellow, joined Marketplace Tech to discuss the American Innovation and Choice Online Act.