Hard-right US House Republicans are discussing forming an America First Caucus, which one document described as championing "Anglo-Saxon political traditions" and warning that mass immigration was putting the "unique identity" of the US at risk.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the paper, which was first reported by Punchbowl News, a news outlet covering Capitol Hill.
The AP could not independently confirm the organisation's origins or current status, but Florida Republican Matt Gaetz said he was joining and indicated that fellow conservative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia was behind it.
The document was being circulated as the GOP is struggling to determine a clear direction as it prepares to try winning back control of the House and Senate in the 2022 elections.
Among the party's divisions are how closely to tack behind Donald Trump, and the caucus' seven-page policy platform clearly embraces the former president's world view.
"The America First Caucus (AFC) exists to promote Congressional policies that are to the long-term benefit of the American nation," it begins.
It says the group aims to "follow in President Trump's footsteps, and potentially step on some toes and sacrifice sacred cows for the good of the American nation".
The group calls for limiting legal immigration "to those that can contribute not only economically, but have demonstrated respect for this nation's culture and rule of law.".
It voices support for infrastructure "that reflects the architectural, engineering and aesthetic value that befits the progeny of European architecture".
In a striking criticism, Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy issued a tweet that an aide confirmed was aimed at the group.
"America is built on the idea that we are all created equal and success is earned through honest, hard work. It isn't built on identity, race, or religion," he wrote.
"The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln and the party of more opportunity for all Americans, not nativist dog whistles."
No. 3 House GOP leader Republican Liz Cheney of Wyoming tweeted: "We teach our children the values of tolerance, decency and moral courage. Racism, nativism, and anti-Semitism are evil. History teaches we all have an obligation to confront and reject such malicious hate."
Cheney voted to impeach Trump in January and has been under fire from some of the party's most far-right lawmakers and the former president.
Asked to provide a copy of the caucus document, Greene spokesman Nick Dyer said in an email: "We aren't circulating anything, Alan. This was a typical DC gossip leak."
The document aims some of its toughest language at immigration. President Joe Biden's administration has struggled to handle large numbers of migrants at the Southwest border and has had little success winning legislation in Congress.
"America is a nation with a border, and a culture, strengthened by a common respect for uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions," the paper says.
"History has shown that societal trust and political unity are threatened when foreign citizens are imported en-masse into a country."
It adds that "the long-term existential future of America as a unique country with a unique culture and a unique identity being put at unnecessary risk is something our leaders" cannot ignore.
The document espouses Trump's false claims that "recent election results demonstrate a compromised integrity of our elections".
Australian Associated Press
