Why can't science change a thing when it comes to national policies? Like immigration, energy policy, guns in society or police?

Science isn't as respected as it once was in this country. Even in it's best days it still took second place to short term economic gain. But as science began clashing with religion, our people decided to cling more towards religion. That little wedge was coopted and driven further in by politicians pushing ideologies to help them keep their own jobs and power. To the point where it has gone beyond science denial. People now deny facts and reality itself.