Only in America with Ali Noorani

Our Final Episode Feb 09, 2022

It’s our final episode! This week, we look back at our favorite memories, clips, and episodes from the podcast. Featured guests include Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, Pati Jinich, Nafy Flatley and many others. We hope you enjoy this look back at a great pod. Thank you to all our guests and everyone who helped make this happen!

Please visit our Facebook and Twitter for more stories and information about the National Immigration Forum.

Ithaca isn’t just Gorges – it's Welcoming! Feb 02, 2022

It’s another virtual road trip – this week to Ithaca. And don't forget your mittens because it's cold out there! This week we are joined by Casey Verderosa from Ithaca Welcomes Refugees. She details their origin story, the organization’s current challenges, and what she hopes for Ithaca and IWR in the future. Check out their page to learn more about how to help IWR and some great merch!

What’s Next for Refugee Resettlement in 2022? Jan 26, 2022

President Biden inherited an emaciated resettlement and asylum program from former President Trump, whose administration enacted blatantly anti-immigrant, anti-refugee and anti-asylum policies throughout its four years. This week we look at the path forward for those affected by America’s archaic immigration system - and what you can do to help make changes for immigrants and their families in our communities.

We hear from Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, Taif Jany Director of Policy and Practice at RCUSA, and Lacy Broemel, a Policy Analyst at the International Refugee Assistance Project.

If you liked what you heard here, please be sure to check out the full conversation on our Facebook page.

President Biden’s Year in Review Jan 19, 2022

It’s President Biden’s one-year anniversary in the White House. This week we look at the progress for immigration advocacy and how that bodes for those still hoping for reforms now.

We speak with Kristie De Pena, Vice President for policy and director of immigration at the Niskanen Center, and Danilo Zak, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the Forum.

Also be sure to check out the Forum’s recent white paper, One Year In: The Biden Administration’s Treatment of Vulnerable Migrants for a rundown of the progress we’ve seen – and the work that still has to be done.

Dairy Farming in the 21st century Jan 12, 2022

The supply chain has now become a big part of our national discussion. And a large, cheese-sized hunk of those goods are related to dairy farming. But without immigrant employees, like many agribusinesses, dairy farms across the country wouldn’t be able to function. This week, we take a look at America’s dairy farms and how they’re embracing their immigrant workforce. We speak with Ohio Dairy Farmer, Kathy Davis, and Mercedes Falk, the president of Puentes, a non-profit helping farmers and immigrant workers bridge cultural and language gaps.

Olympic Dreams 3 Dec 28, 2021

The Olympics are a unique opportunity to celebrate both individual victories and our collective unity. And this week we went for the gold! Ali speaks with former Olympian and refugee Makorobondo “Dee” Salukombo about learning to love running and his work starting Project Kirotshe a program that pays children in Congo’s school fees as they train and run races throughout Eastern Africa.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories from our podcast.

Sikh Captain America Dec 28, 2021

We are back! Thank you for joining us after our brief break.

Not all heroes wear capes, but this one does wear a Captain America costume. Vishavjit Singh is a writer, artist, creator of Sikhtoons, and Sikh Captain America. He uses his powers of building bridges and storytelling to fight intolerance and have difficult conversations to create understanding. He tells us his origin story and about his new animated film, “American Sikh”, an animated short about seeking acceptance in an intolerant world.

You can donate to his Kickstarter here.

A Country of Welcome Dec 28, 2021

President Biden’s decision this week to raise the refugee ceiling to 62,500 came after a broad range of voices urged the administration to reconsider their initial decision to keep the ceiling at the historically low 15,000 set by President Trump.

Ali speaks with Edafe Okporo, a global gay rights activist and executive director of the RDJ Refugee Shelter in Harlem, New York, about his experience with the US asylum system and how he is trying to help other asylees. We also hear from Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, about the growing need for refugee resettlement.

Fugees Academy Dec 28, 2021

For Luma Mufleh, soccer has always been a passion. This week we hear how she combined that love for the pitch with providing education to young refugees in Ohio and Georgia. We also hear from educators and students at Fugees Academy about why this school is so important for both its students and the refugee community at large.

You can learn more about Fugee Academy at their website.

What’s happening at the Southern Border Dec 28, 2021

A record number of people have been attempting to cross the US-Mexico border this year, many of them children.

There are reports of a backlog of thousands of people willing to take a chance. And those turned back usually wait a bit in Mexico and try again. So how does the number of people attempting to cross the border this year compare to previous years? What are these individuals and families facing? And what approaches can we take immediately to start addressing these issues?

This week, an on-the-ground look at the U.S.-Mexico border as we speak with Joanna Williams, Executive Director of the Kino Border Initiative, Linda Chavez, a former Reagan White House official and Danilo Zak, Policy & Advocacy Associate at the Forum.

Here’s Linda’s recent piece for The Bulwark, and our explainer on the border situation.

Behind the film: “The Infiltrators” Dec 22, 2021

The new film “The Infiltrators” tells the true story of young immigrants who are detained by the Border Patrol and thrown into a shadowy for-profit detention center. This week we chatted with the filmmakers, Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra. Both received MacArthur fellowships and join us to talk about their story, the making of the film, and their future projects.

Fugees Academy, Pt. II Dec 15, 2021

It’s Part 2 of our visit to the Fugees Academy in Ohio. This week, we hear from students and faculty about what it was like at the school after the 2016 election, their advice for those new to the U.S., and what they look forward to for the future (spoiler: 9th grade is hopefully better than 8th).

Please visit their website to learn more about the Fugees Academy

Fugees Academy Dec 08, 2021

For Luma Mufleh, soccer has always been a passion. This week we hear how she combined that love for the pitch with providing education to young refugees in Ohio and Georgia. We also hear from educators and students at Fugees Academy about why this school is so important for both its students and the refugee community at large.

You can learn more about Fugee Academy at their website.

What is ‘Great Replacement’ Theory and how can we push back against it? Dec 01, 2021

It’s a bigoted ideology that has led to hate and violence – and to U.S. laws and fringe political movements. But why does it continue to shape immigration policies and pop up in cable news and social media? This week we speak to Alan Cross, a Southern Baptist pastor, and author who has written extensively on the role of the church in race relations.

Be sure to check out our in-depth explainer and resource page about the ‘Great Replacement’ theory’s origins, its misconceptions, and the ways we can push back against it.

Welcoming Afghans, Part VI Nov 24, 2021

This week, we bring you the story of a diverse coalition made up of former presidents, business coalition leaders, and many more working together to help Afghan evacuees. In the last episode of our “Welcoming Afghans” series, we talk to Nazanin Ash, CEO of Welcome.us and Nadia Hashimi a member of the National Welcome Council at Welcome.us.

You can find out how Welcome.us is helping individuals and families at their website.

Welcoming Afghans, Part V Nov 17, 2021

Picture this: two veterans helping Afghan evacuees find safety and build new lives in Ohio using mostly social media and fundraising sites. In one of the most moving and engaging episodes we’ve had yet, Matt Carpenter and Rick Stockburger detail their mission to help 150 people evacuate Afghanistan this fall. They also detail what some of these evacuees are facing coming to the US as well as stories of working and fighting alongside Afghan nationals in the hopes of building a more democratic Afghanistan.

You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube page.

To donate to their efforts to evacuate our Afghan allies, visit https://gofund.me/b2d2405b

Welcoming Afghans, Part IV: Veterans Day Nov 10, 2021

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate the military men and women who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces – and their commitment to the effort to welcome Afghans to America is no exception. In this week’s episode, we look at how the military community has stepped up to the challenge of welcoming new arrivals – and how these connections, along with new legislation, can set Afghans up for success.

We speak this week with Margaret Stock, an immigration attorney and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U-S Army Reserve. Also included in this week’s episode are Nazanin Ash, the CEO of Welcome.us, and Nadia Hashimi, a pediatrician, novelist, and member of the Welcome.us coalition.

You can find out how Welcome.us is helping individuals and families at their website.

Welcoming Afghans Part III Nov 03, 2021

Through digital and in-person efforts, countless people around the U.S. continue to help Afghan evacuees resettle in their new community. This week we bring you stories from two local organizations helping in a big way.

In this third part of the series, we speak with Debra Lang, Executive Director of KindWorks, and Russell Smith, CEO of Refugee Services of Texas. Find out more about how these two organizations are helping resettle Afghan individuals and families on their sites.

Welcoming Afghans Part II Oct 26, 2021

This week, the story of one organization in Ohio that is showing up in a big way for Afghan evacuees: The International Institute of Akron has been welcoming immigrants and refugees to Akron for over 100 years, but recent changes in the refugee ceiling – and then the military withdrawal from Afghanistan this year – has changed their work in big ways.

In the second part of our multi-part series about helping Afghan evacuees, we speak with Madhu Sharma, the Executive Director of The International Institute of Akron.

Find out more about how The International Institute of Akron is helping Afghan individuals and families at their website.

Welcoming Afghans, Part I Oct 20, 2021

Thousands of Afghan evacuees are still unmoored months after the U.S withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many remain on military bases in the U.S. and across the world. Their stories don’t end with evacuation - in fact, it’s just the beginning of a resettlement process that requires a formidable amount of planning, resources, and cooperation across communities. This multi-part series looks at the stories of those helping these evacuees.

In our first episode, we speak to Bri Stensrud, Director of Women of Welcome about the incredible response and outpouring of support from their community to help Afghan refugees. Specific information about outreach and ways to help Afghan refugees can be found here.

Sikh Captain America Oct 13, 2021

We are back! Thank you for joining us after our brief break.

Not all heroes wear capes, but this one does wear a Captain America costume. Vishavjit Singh is a writer, artist, creator of Sikhtoons, and Sikh Captain America. He uses his powers of building bridges and storytelling to fight intolerance and have difficult conversations to create understanding. He tells us his origin story and about his new animated film, “American Sikh”, an animated short about seeking acceptance in an intolerant world.

You can donate to his Kickstarter here.

What do borders mean in a globalized world? Aug 11, 2021

This week we look at the symbolism and substance of borders. We’ve covered the US/Mexico border previously, but this time we take a large look at borderlands and what those lines mean for the people living on either side.

Ali speaks with VICE news correspondent David Noriega and Danilo Zak Policy & Advocacy Associate at the Forum.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories from our podcast.

Reconciliation and Immigration Reform Aug 04, 2021

Immigration reform for Dreamers could be on the horizon, but what does achieving it through budget reconciliation mean for future immigration reform efforts? This week we speak to Bill Kristol director of Defending Democracy Together. Our conversation looks at what the potentially $3.5 trillion budget package would really mean for DACA and other immigration laws as well as the future of bipartisan legislation.

Watch the full version of the live conversation on our Facebook page.

And find out more about reconciliation with a newly released explainer on our website.

Olympic Dreams: Makorobondo “Dee” Salukombo Jul 28, 2021

The Olympics are a unique opportunity to celebrate both individual victories and our collective unity. And this week we went for the gold! Ali speaks with former Olympian and refugee Makorobondo “Dee” Salukombo about learning to love running and his work starting Project Kirotshe a program that pays children in Congo’s school fees as they train and run races throughout Eastern Africa.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories from our podcast.

Fútbol is Life: The Curbside Cup Jul 20, 2021

As the Olympics approach and we collectively turn our TVs to feats of athleticism, we highlight another way sports brings people together. This week’s episode features the co-founders of the Curbside Cup – a soccer tournament for refugee children in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Terri Sheldon and Jean Bosco Tuyisenge tell the story of how the tournament came together and how soccer led to new possibilities.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories from our podcast.

Immigrants are Essential to Economic Recovery Jul 14, 2021

Driving through neighborhoods across the country, you could see the effects. Shuttered storefronts. Quiet business districts. Not to mention the stories of families who have scraped by day after day, over the last year. In this episode, we check bring stories of immigrant business owners and workers who have been essential to the response and recovery to COVID-19.

Ali speaks with Ramiro Cavazos, Issaka Kouraogo and Lawrence Yoo for our episode this week.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories to help celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month!

Immigrant Heritage: The Stories behind the Numbers Pt. 2 Jun 16, 2021

Our celebration of Immigration Heritage Month continues! And as much as Immigrant Heritage Month is a joyful occasion, it’s also an opportunity to remember how much more work there is to be done.

For part 2, we revisit some of last week’s guests -- and talk to some new ones -- to hear more about their heritage and how it informs their sense of being American. We are joined by guests Jessica Astudillo, Eric Kwak, Farah Larrieux, and Edilsa Lopez.

Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more great stories to help celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month!

Immigrant Heritage: The Stories behind the Numbers Jun 09, 2021

It’s Immigrant Heritage Month! And for the next two weeks, we’ll be sharing stories that shine a light on the contributions of immigrants – those who came here to work hard, seek opportunities or find protection – and what their experiences and recent research can tell us about the American Identity and American attitudes towards immigration.

We hear this week from, Jessica Astudillo, Emily Ekins, Farah Larrieux, and Edilsa Lopez.

Be sure to check out our Twitter and Facebook for more great stories to help celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month!

Field Notes: Utah – Chief Mike Brown Jun 02, 2021

For local law enforcement, building trust within their communities is key to doing their jobs. But for many immigrant communities, contact with law enforcement is associated with discrimination, surveillance and a risk of deportation. This week we ask: How can local police build a better relationship with their communities?

In the final stop on our virtual road trip through Utah, we talk to Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. Chief Brown discusses how his department is building a pathway for a diverse range of young people, including DACA recipients, to get involved in a career in law enforcement.

Field Notes: Utah – Mayor Jenny Wilson May 26, 2021

In Utah, where the immigrant population has grown significantly in recent decades, federal policies are only the beginning of a conversation that can play out much more meaningfully at the local level. Utah’s changing demographics have presented new challenges – and new opportunities.

This week, Ali speaks with Salt Lake County Mayor and life-long Utahan Jenny Wilson. Mayor Wilson discusses how important it is to foster inclusivity and welcome – and critically, how to put those values into action.

Field Notes- Utah Looking back and moving forward May 19, 2021

We’re back on our virtual road trip through Utah, taking a look back at what we’ve learned about the state so far -- and also looking ahead. Our first two Utah conversations helped us understand the experiences of immigrants and the history of the Latino community in the state, and our upcoming guests will help us understand how community leaders in Utah are working to advance the conversation around immigration in the state. Dr. Armando Solorzano is an author and associate professor at the University of Utah, where he’s been teaching for 30 years. Bernardo Castro is a Utah Dreamer, BYU graduate and small business owner.

Do you have any questions or thoughts for our upcoming guests? Let us know and your question may be featured in an upcoming episode of Only in America. Let us know: digital@immigrationforum.org

Also mentioned in this episode: Our previous interviews with Esmeralda Tovar.

A Country of Welcome: Part II May 12, 2021

What happens when a group of evangelical women come together to advocate for refugees? This week we hear from Tess Clarke, Director of We Welcome Refugees, about their effort to gather voices from across the country to urge President Biden to raise the refugee ceiling. Some people sent their voicemails in before this month’s announcement, and some were recorded after. These emotional messages detail why refugees are so important to this country - and why it’s important for people of faith to step up.

A Country of Welcome May 07, 2021

We’re taking a break from Utah this week to address President Biden’s refugee ceiling announcement. Our virtual road -trip will be back soon!

President Biden’s decision this week to raise the refugee ceiling to 62,500 came after a broad range of voices urged the administration to reconsider their initial decision to keep the ceiling at the historically low 15,000 set by President Trump.

Ali speaks with Edafe Okporo, a global gay rights activist and executive director of the RDJ Refugee Shelter in Harlem, New York, about his experience with the US asylum system and how he is trying to help other asylees. We also hear from Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief, about the growing need for refugee resettlement.

Field Notes: Utah – Dr. Armando Solorzano Apr 28, 2021

Our virtual road trip around Utah continues as we learn about the unique history and future of Latino communities in the Beehive state, which has seen its Hispanic population grow nearly 26 % between 2010 and 2018 -- which was more than twice as fast as the non-Hispanic white population.

Ali talks to Dr. Armando Solórzano about the rapidly changing demographics of Utah, the history of immigration, and how under the Biden administration, the historical importance of parks and monuments may take on added significance.

Field Notes: Utah – Bernardo Castro Apr 21, 2021

The Beehive State is not often at the forefront of the immigration debate, but as we discuss this week, Utah’s approach to immigration reform has a lot we can learn from.

As many of their geographical neighbors passed notoriously anti-immigrant and racist legislation, Utah’s communities were sending a different kind of message. One of welcome and opportunity, rather than fear and hostility.

This week we are joined by Bernardo Castro, a Utah Dreamer, BYU graduate and small business owner. Bernardo discusses the ever-changing status of DACA, growing up undocumented in a state with a relatively small Latino population and the principles of dignity and humane policies for all.

Special Episode: What's Happening at the Southern Border Apr 16, 2021

A record number of people have been attempting to cross the US-Mexico border this year, many of them children.

There are reports of a backlog of thousands of people willing to take a chance. And those turned back usually wait a bit in Mexico and try again. So how does the number of people attempting to cross the border this year compare to previous years? What are these individuals and families facing? And what approaches can we take immediately to start addressing these issues?

This week, an on-the-ground look at the U.S.-Mexico border as we speak with Joanna Williams, Executive Director of the Kino Border Initiative, Linda Chavez, a former Reagan White House official and Danilo Zak, Policy & Advocacy Associate at the Forum.

Introducing Field Notes: Utah Mar 31, 2021

In our upcoming series, we take a virtual road trip around Utah to talk to residents about how immigration impacts Utah and what it's like to be an immigrant in the Beehive State.

We’ll be exploring how immigrants contribute to their communities in Utah, how national immigration conversations impact – or don’t impact – reforms in Utah, and where Utahns think we go from here.

Special Episode: Stopping AAPI Hate with John C. Yang Mar 24, 2021

Last week’s shooting in Atlanta is part of a tragic rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the country. This rise is coupled with the fact that discrimination and hate faced by Asian Americans is often overlooked by press, policymakers and systems. Data collection efforts lag; outreach is stunted.

This week, Ali speaks with John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice. John shares what he’s hearing from organizers and partners on the ground, and how we can use this as a moment of change.

Response and Recovery: Maria Ramos Mar 10, 2021

Ensuring safe, equitable vaccination campaigns is a challenge for communities across the country. But the rollout for an immigrant in New York City can look quite different than it does for one in small-town Iowa.

This week, Ali talks to Maria Ramos, a city council member in Storm Lake, Iowa. Maria discusses how her small-but-diverse town has responded to the pandemic, and how she sees her role as a leader in the immigrant community and the town as a whole.

Response and Recovery: Dr. Luz Garcini Mar 03, 2021

What can the undocumented experience teach us about how to support vulnerable communities through the grief and trauma of the past year?

Ali talks to Dr. Luz Garcini, a nonresident fellow at the Center for the United States and Mexico, part of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, about how we build a pipeline that meets immigrant health needs, and how the new administration can help break the cycle of mistrust and fear that leaves immigrants more vulnerable.

Response and Recovery: Valentina Pereda Feb 24, 2021

Prioritizing vaccine access for vulnerable communities is critical to a successful pandemic response – but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

This week’s guest is Valentina Pereda, a communications expert and documentary filmmaker based in LA. She tells Ali about her work tracking and combatting misinformation in the Latino community, particularly around COVID-19.

Valentina helped produce the following vaccine PSAs:

Imam Muhammad Kolila: https://www.facebook.com/MasjidAlshuhadaa/videos/1119238831834139/

Dr. Lily Cervantes: https://www.facebook.com/1548681666/videos/10224241052444509/

Dr. AK Agundiabe: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CKl_0WvHFKw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Response and Recovery: Laura Spinney Feb 17, 2021

Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving herd immunity won't be possible, Laura Spinney argues, unless we prioritize immigrant communities.

This week Ali talks to Laura, a science journalist and author of Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World, about why protecting ourselves is impossible without protecting the most vulnerable.

Trailer: Response and Recovery Feb 10, 2021

Immigrants have played a key role in our nation’s response to COVID-19 – and they’re especially vulnerable to the pandemic’s devastating effects.

So for our next series, we’re talking to public health experts, science journalists and more to understand how communities are responding to the pandemic and the systemic challenges that it has shed a light on.

The First 100: Todd Schulte Feb 03, 2021

Building a truly successful legal immigration system will take more than undoing Trump policies – it’s going to take an overhaul of a long-outdated system that cannot meet our modern immigration needs. So, where do we go from here?

Ali talks to Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, about how Congress and the administration can tackle the remnants of Trump-era policies – and why a broader vision for a legal immigration system is vital for our nation’s future.

The First 100: Joy Olson Jan 27, 2021

Among President Biden's immigration actions is a $4 billion four-year plan to address root causes of migration in Central America. But when lawmakers talk about addressing migration's “root causes,” what do they really mean? And who has a seat at the negotiation table?

Ali talks to Joy Olson, a foreign policy expert and the former executive director of the Washington Office on Latin America, about untangling Trump’s asylum mess, what was missing from previous regional approaches, and what she hopes the Biden administration will focus on.

The First 100: Elizabeth Neumann Jan 19, 2021

Joe Biden is expected to rescind Trump’s travel ban almost immediately after taking office this week – but where does our national security conversation go from there, and how do we balance it with smart immigration policies?

Ali talks to Elizabeth Neumann, a security expert who served at DHS during the Trump administration, about why rescinding the ban will make us safer, and what smarter policies could look like.

The First 100: Mark Hetfield Jan 13, 2021

This week, Ali talks to Mark Hetfield, President and CEO of HIAS, about what a Biden administration means for refugee resettlement. HIAS is one of nine primarily faith-based organizations partnering with the federal government to help resettle refugees, and is also engaged in refugee advocacy at the national and international level.

Mark and Ali spoke about the obstacles refugees face on the road to resettlement, the policy decisions facing the Biden administration, and what a modernized refugee program could look like.

Trailer: The First 100 Jan 08, 2021

We’re hitting the ground running in 2021 and for season 4 of Only in America, with a series focused on what President-elect Biden’s first 100 days mean for the 117th Congress and what our immigration system could look like.

We’ll start by seeing what the Biden administration can do during its early days — and then shift to what the implications are in Congress for longer-term, bipartisan solutions for reform on key issues like DACA, border security and more.

Immigrant Youth: Irena Abdelalem Abdelmaksoud Dec 16, 2020

In our final episode of the season, we get a glimpse of the challenges migrant youth face in other parts of the world.

Ali talks with Irena Abdelalem Abdelmaksoud, a protection officer who specializes in working with unaccompanied children at Info Park, a grassroots NGO in Belgrade, Serbia, that has been assisting refugees in the area since 2015. They provide urgent aid, psychological support, accommodation, information and other services for refugees across Belgrade, a major transit hub for refugees making the arduous journey to the European Union.

Immigrant Youth: Mental Health with Luna Greenstein Dec 09, 2020

This week we dive into the importance of mental health care in the U.S. — in particular for immigrant youth.

Ali talks with Luna Greenstein, a senior content manager at the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about personal stories of immigrants’ mental health experiences, and how by understanding these stories, we can get a sense of the mental health challenges that young immigrants may face more often than their peers.

Immigrant Youth: Molly Baldwin and Victoria Ramirez-Morales Dec 02, 2020

Ali talks to two people who have years of experience creating a safer environment for young immigrants to address their trauma and heal. Their work focuses on disrupting cycles of poverty and helping them build skills and access resources to build a better life.

Molly Baldwin is the founder and CEO of Roca in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Victoria Ramirez-Morales leads Roca’s Central American Youth Initiative.

Trailer: Immigrant Youth Nov 25, 2020

For the last few episodes of season three, we’re taking a look forward. Specifically, to the young immigrants who are shaping our nation’s future.

We’ll hear about immigrant youth experiences and the unique challenges they face across a variety of backgrounds, including growing up as a first-generation immigrant, addressing trauma and violence prevention, and navigating higher education.

Join Us for Leading the Way! Nov 16, 2020

In lieu of a regular, full episode this week, we hope you’ll join us live for the National Immigration Forum’s annual convening, Leading the Way, Nov. 16-19. Each day from 3-5 p.m. Eastern, we’re bringing together influential voices for critical conversations about immigration and the role of immigration in our nation’s future. Tune in to hear more about the path forward.

The Path Forward: Robert P. Jones Nov 11, 2020

For our special post-election episode, Ali talks to Robert P. Jones about the future of American identity, interpreting recent polling trends, and what the numbers reveal about how we can heal and build a path forward.

Robert is CEO and Founder of the Public Religion Research Institute, or PRRI. He’s also the author of “White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity.”

Book Club: Nancy Jooyoun Kim Nov 04, 2020

This week, we’re taking a bit of a break from the relentless election news cycle. Ali chats with Nancy Jooyoun Kim, whose debut novel, The Last Story of Mina Lee, has become a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller since being published in September.

They discuss immigrant experiences in the U.S. and how telling those stories can bring a powerful perspective to a complicated topic. Plus, how her book challenges the assumptions of the American Dream and the types of immigrant stories we often hear.

Vote of Conscience: First-Time Voters Oct 28, 2020

In the final episode of our pre-election deep dive into civic engagement, Ali hears about the experiences of two first-time voters who recently became U.S. citizens through the Forum’s New American Workforce program.

Karla Garcia, a Honduran immigrant who works for the D.C. Board of Elections, talks about her father’s experience voting for the first time this year and the changes she’s seen in the Latinx electorate over the years. Ambica Prakash, an entrepreneur born and raised in India, spoke about her journey through the naturalization process and her perspective on civic engagement as a new American.

Vote of Conscience: Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V Gordon Oct 21, 2020

Ali sits down with Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, the executive producers of Little America, an Apple TV anthology series telling the immigrant stories we don’t often hear in American pop culture. They chat about the about the power of storytelling, how to create a sense of connectedness amid division, and what’s missing from conversations on immigration.

Vote of Conscience: Bob Worsley Oct 14, 2020

This week Ali speaks to Bob Worsley, a businessman and former Republican member of the Arizona State Senate. He recently wrote a book called “The Horseshoe Virus” on polarization in politics.

An active member of the LDS Church, Bob spoke about how his faith informed his civic engagement — and why advocating for commonsense immigration policies doesn’t have to be partisan.

Vote of Conscience: Greisa Martinez Rosas Oct 07, 2020

This week, we're looking at how marginalized communities are leveraging their collective power this election season – even if they can’t vote themselves. By emphasizing connectedness at a time when it’s needed the most, organizers are finding new ways to engage their communities and advocate for Dreamers and other immigrants.

Ali chats with Greisa Martinez Rosas, executive director at United We Dream, the largest immigrant-led youth network in the country.

Vote of Conscience: Adamou Mohamed Sep 30, 2020

This week Ali talks to Adamou Mohamed, an organizer and civic engagement coordinator with Church World Service. He leads their efforts working with refugee leaders on voter registration, education, and turnout.

He and Ali spoke about the unique experiences and challenges refugee voters face, and the importance of building engagement across communities.

Trailer: Vote of Conscience (Plus Bonus Content) Sep 23, 2020

Catch this preview of our upcoming series on civic engagement and how immigrants and immigration impact the 2020 election.

Plus, stick around for a segment from another great podcast, “A Better Life?” from Feet in 2 Worlds, winner of multiple awards for journalism about and by immigrants. This clip features a conversation with a couple in Miami recalling their journey from Haiti to Florida in the late 1960s.

Racial Justice and Immigration: Tina Vasquez Sep 16, 2020

Reporter Tina Vasquez tells Ali about her work as a movement journalist and her work building trust within the communities she reports on, including the Black immigrant community. Tina is a senior reporter at Prism — a BIPOC-focused media outlet whose news team is 100% led by women of color — where she leads coverage of both gender justice and workers' rights.

Racial Justice and Immigration: Abdi Nor Iftin Sep 09, 2020

This week Ali talks to Abdi Nor Iftin, bestselling author of “Call Me American: A Memoir.” Originally from Somalia, Abdi left the dangers of his home country only to be confronted with the harsh realities of racism in the U.S.

Abdi spoke to Ali about improving the visibility and accessibility of Black immigrant stories, and his advice to non-Black folks who want to be better advocates for their Black and immigrant neighbors.

Racial Justice and Immigration: Alan Cross Sep 02, 2020

This week, Ali talks to Alan Cross, lead pastor at the Petaluma Valley Baptist Church in northern California and author of “When Heaven and Earth Collide: Racism, Southern Evangelicals, and the Better Way of Jesus.” Raised in Mississippi, Alan has preached in churches across the South.

Alan and Ali spoke about the complicated history of the region, how his faith led him to immigration advocacy, and the role of Christians in fighting for justice.

Racial Justice and Immigration: Karla McKanders Aug 26, 2020

This week, Ali talks to Professor Karla McKanders, who directs the Immigration Practice Clinic at Vanderbilt Law School. She also teaches refugee and immigration law. She has written about the intersection of immigration and Blackness, and is releasing a children’s book on the issue soon.

Professor McKanders and Ali spoke about the experiences of Black immigrants at the border, how segregation and policing impact Black and immigrant communities, and the need for nuance in our legal systems.

Trailer: Racial Justice and Immigration Aug 19, 2020

The color of our skin and our immigration status dramatically affect how we move through our daily lives in this country. And these two identities, while distinct, are constantly interacting with each other. For our next series, we’re taking a critical look at the complex relationship between racial justice and immigration.

We’ll start out by digging into how race and immigration intersect, and we’ll hear more about the experiences of Black immigrants, who face the dual challenges of America’s immigration system and systemic racism towards Black communities. And we’ll talk about why, ultimately, immigrant justice cannot be separated from racial justice.

How Did We Get Here?: Ainee Athar Aug 12, 2020

For our last week in our “How Did We Get Here?” series, we’ll see the human impact of flawed policies.

Ali talks to Ainee Athar, Immigration Program Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Born in Pakistan, Ainee and her family sought protection from religious persecution. But in coming to the U.S., they faced a slew of obstacles over many years: navigating bureaucracy, a rejected asylum application, multiple changes in immigration status, and dealing with immigration enforcement.

How Did We Get Here?: Becky Tallent Aug 05, 2020

This week, Ali talks to Becky Tallent, former chief of staff to Sen. John McCain and adviser to House Speaker John Boehner, about the push for comprehensive immigration reform in 2007 and 2013.

Becky is currently head of U.S. Government Relations at Dropbox and serves as Vice Chair of the Forum’s Board of Directors.

How Did We Get Here?: Doris Meissner Jul 29, 2020

This week we hear about what happened around immigration in the 1990s, and how that’s affected today’s conversations.

Ali talks to Doris Meissner, a former Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. She’s currently a Senior Fellow and Director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute.

How Did We Get Here?: Charles Kamasaki Jul 22, 2020

This week, we pick up where we left off and take a look at what happened in immigration between the 1960s and 1980s. Following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the next major immigration reform came during the Reagan era of the 1980s, and Charles Kamasaki was a firsthand witness. He’s now a Senior Cabinet Adviser for UnidosUS, and author of Immigration Reform: The Corpse That Will Not Die. Charles told Ali about the hurdles we must overcome to create solutions, the politics of compromise, and how we can bring future reforms across the finish line.

How Did We Get Here?: Jia Lynn Yang Jul 15, 2020

This week, we take a look at what we can learn from our nation’s history around immigration reform that could help shape the future of it.

Ali talks to Jia Lynn Yang, deputy national editor at the New York Times and author of One Mighty and Irresistible Tide: The Epic Struggle Over American Immigration, 1924-1965.

She provides fascinating context about what led to immigration restrictionism 100 years ago, the fight to change those laws, and how that affected where we are today.

Trailer: How Did We Get Here? Jul 08, 2020

We often hear people say they don’t have a problem with people coming to the U.S. — as long as they are coming here legally. But our legal immigration system is complex and challenging to navigate — and the increasing number of threats it faces from the Trump administration only intensifies this.

In this series we’ll hear from experts discussing how the past applies to the present moment, and what it means for the future of immigration.

Refugee Mask-Makers: Part Two, South Carolina Jul 01, 2020

This week, we hear about the South Carolina churches receiving masks made by refugees in Greece. Ali hears from two South Carolinians who are distributing thousands of masks to their communities.

David Lee is a missionary of the North American Mission Board’s Ministry Evangelism Team. He serves as Director of Lay Mobilization at the Lexington Baptist Association. Robbie McAlister is a former pastor who now is the Southeast mobilizer for Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform.

Refugee Mask-Makers: Part One, Greece Jun 24, 2020

This week, we hear how refugees in Greece are contributing to the COVID-19 response in the U.S. Zoë Pappis Schultz, co-founder of When We Band Together, tells Ali about how refugees at the Moria refugee camp in Lesvos, Greece, are making face masks for people in need around the world.

Plus, a look at the Trump administration’s decision to extend and expand its proclamation from April that initially barred certain immigrants from the U.S. for 60 days.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Understanding the Supreme Court’s DACA Ruling Jun 18, 2020

The Supreme Court ruled today that the Trump administration did not provide an adequate justification for ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), allowing it to remain in place — but the administration could still make another attempt to end the protections it provides for nearly 700,000 Dreamers.

Ali talks to Larry Benenson, the Forum’s Assistant Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, about what the ruling means, the options DACA recipients now have, and why Congress needs to pass a permanent solution.

Keeping Us Healthy: Dr. Sal Molica Jun 17, 2020

In the final episode of our health care series, we hear about the health obstacles that immigrant communities face, made all the more challenging during the coronavirus.

Ali talks to Dr. Sal Molica, a primary care physician at Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts. They talk about Codman Square’s close ties to Boston’s Haitian American community, how they’re working to improve health care access in a diverse immigrant community, and how they’re adapting amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racial and Immigrant Justice with Dr. Walter Strickland Jun 10, 2020

Ali talks to Dr. Walter Strickland, Assistant Professor of Systematic and Contextual Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Strickland tells us about how a history of racism and systemic injustice has affected Black Americans, as well as the role of the church in advocating for justice. Plus, how we can avoid debates about justice being pulled into cultural divisions.

Keeping Us Healthy: Esmeralda Tovar May 27, 2020

This week, Ali talks to Esmeralda Tovar, a mental-health case manager and a medication aide at an assisted living facility in Kansas. She’s also a DACA recipient waiting in limbo for the Supreme Court to decide her fate in the U.S.

She spoke to Ali about her work in health care and how it’s changed amid COVID-19 — and what she wants all Americans to know about DACA recipients like her.

Keeping Us Healthy: Kathy Ko Chin and Rosalie Villanueva May 20, 2020

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we hear about the unique healthcare challenges these communities face – and the incredible contributions they’re making amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ali talks to Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, about the role of Asian American and Pacific Islander health workers in the pandemic response.

Later, he talks to a registered nurse working in Galveston, Texas, originally from the Philippines.

Mother's Day Special: Najma Noorani (Part Two) May 13, 2020

For this week’s episode, Ali sits down with his mom, Najma, who tells him about her early days as a newcomer to the U.S. and opening a physical therapy practice — and how to properly cut a mango.

The pair discuss Najma’s journey to the U.S., the difficulties of building a life in a new country and living thousands of miles away from family, and the neighbors who became like family.

Mother's Day Special: Najma Noorani (Part One) May 13, 2020

For this week’s episode, Ali sits down with his mom, Najma, who tells him about her early days as a newcomer to the U.S. and opening a physical therapy practice — and how to properly cut a mango.

The pair discuss Najma’s journey to the U.S., the difficulties of building a life in a new country and living thousands of miles away from family, and the neighbors who became like family.

Keeping Us Healthy: Dr. Amit Vashist May 06, 2020

Even before COVID-19, our nation was facing a shortage of health care workers, one that is projected to grow. This week, we see how immigrants in rural areas are stepping up to meet this critical need.

Ali talks to Dr. Amit Vashist, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Ballad Health. Dr. Vashist talks about the challenges of ensuring health care access in rural areas – and why removing immigration barriers is a critical part of the solution.

Trailer: Keeping Us Healthy Apr 29, 2020

Immigrants are essential to the health of Americans, representing a major part of our healthcare industry workforce in both medical and nonmedical professions. We’ve seen how their work has been essential for our aging and growing nation, and we will only continue to need their contributions even more as our nation faces the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Only In America” will speak to the health care professionals facing these challenges firsthand to hear from them how we can keep our communities healthy.

SPECIAL EPISODE: A Closer Look at Trump’s Immigration Proclamation Apr 23, 2020

For this week’s episode, Ali talks to the Forum’s VP of Policy and Advocacy, Jacinta Ma, about the proclamation President Trump issued on Wednesday suspending some forms of immigration for at least 60 days.

They discuss what this policy means for immigrants and Americans — and the kinds of solutions we should be pursuing instead.

Growing a Better System: Soren Bjorn Apr 15, 2020

We finish our latest series by continuing to examine how America needs a modernized visa process for the agriculture industry, this time through the perspective of a larger growing operation.

Ali talks to Soren Bjorn, president of Driscoll’s of the Americas. An immigrant and a recently naturalized U.S. citizen, Soren talks about the essential work of immigrant farmworkers during the coronavirus pandemic and the importance of food security.

Growing a Better System: Teresa Romero Apr 08, 2020

Farm work is essential — workers spend their days in the fields ensuring there’s no disruption to our food supply and that there’s food on our tables. Yet many farmworkers are undocumented, and our immigration policies lack adequate pathways to legally fill these jobs.

Ali talks to Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers, the largest farm workers’ union in the U.S. She talks about bridging the gap between consumers and fieldworkers, how COVID-19 is impacting workers, and finding solutions for growers and fieldworkers alike.

Growing a Better System: Fred Strathmeyer Jr. Apr 01, 2020

In the second episode of our series focused on the agriculture industry, we hear about the challenges that U.S. farms face due to a lack of workers.

Ali talks to Fred Strathmeyer Jr., the Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Plant Industry and Consumer Protection. Fred talks about his department’s commitment to a sustainable and safe food supply and its connection to immigration.

Growing a Better System: Judy Fisk Lucas Mar 25, 2020

In the first episode of our series focused on the agriculture industry, we hear about the often-invisible challenges that fieldworkers face.

Ali talks to Judy Fisk Lucas, the founder and president of Friends of Fieldworkers, a non-profit providing support to immigrant fieldworkers in the major agricultural region of Ventura County, California. Judy and her husband Ted talk about working with farmworkers and the needs they and their families have.

Trailer: Growing a Better System Mar 18, 2020

U.S. farms feed millions of Americans, and they need roughly 2 million employees per year to do so. But we’re not meeting that need, and we’re seeing crops going unpicked and dying in fields. Our farms don’t have enough workers — and there aren’t adequate immigration pathways to allow more workers to do those jobs.

Throughout this series, we’ll see how immigrants play an outsized role our agriculture industry and how we need a better system for farmworkers and growers alike. Because a stable agriculture workforce — and our nation’s food supply — is at stake. We’ll hear about the experiences of growers, farmworkers and more about the challenges they face — and ways to create the stability and opportunities they need.

The Myth of the Immigrant Burden: Ai-jen Poo Mar 11, 2020

We finish our series, The Myth of the Immigrant Burden, by discussing immigrant contributions to less visible industries, which are some of the most important but often the least valued. Domestic work — including caretaking, housekeeping and nannying — will continue to be key as our nation ages. But it’s long been undervalued, and workers are even more at risk if their immigration status is uncertain.

Ali talks to Ai-jen Poo, co-founder and executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, about recognizing the importance and dignity of domestic work.

The Myth of the Immigrant Burden: Alejandro Flores-Muñoz Mar 04, 2020

Alejandro Flores-Muñoz is an entrepreneur and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient based in Denver. He started three businesses: Unum Sunglasses, Progressive Button, and, most recently, Stokes Poke. In addition to running his own businesses, he mentors, educates and empowers other DACA recipient and marginalized business owners.

Alejandro talks to Ali about the companies he runs and how he’s helping other DACA recipients and marginalized business owners start and grow their own businesses.

The Myth of the Immigrant Burden: Nafy Flatley Feb 26, 2020

This week, Ali speaks to Nafy Flatley, a Senegal-born chef and entrepreneur who founded the food and beverage company Teranga.

In a conversation at San Francisco’s La Cocina, Ali spoke to Nafy about her journey to the U.S., the challenges of starting a business, and how her idea of the American Dream has evolved.

La Cocina is a test kitchen that supports immigrant and women food entrepreneurs formalize and grow their business. This year, La Cocina plans to open the nation’s first women-led food hall.

The Myth of the Immigrant Burden: Raman Dhillon Feb 19, 2020

We begin our series, “The Myth of the Immigrant Burden,” by learning about the contributions of immigrants in the trucking industry through the lens of the growth of the Punjabi trucking community in California.

Ali talks with Raman Dhillon, head of the North American Punjabi Trucking Association about how the trucking industry is changing and how Punjabi immigrants are stemming its labor shortage. In an industry that historically has been associated with white men, new drivers are bringing new music, food and culture.

Trailer: The Myth of the Immigrant Burden Feb 12, 2020

Americans’ perceptions of immigrants and refugees often boil down to a key question: Are immigrants givers or takers to our communities? When you take a deeper dive, it’s clear that immigrants are contributing. Across a variety of industries, they’re starting businesses, creating jobs, paying taxes, and, in many cases, revitalizing entire towns and cities.

“Only in America” is taking a closer look at some of these immigrants and their stories, whether they’re innovators, entrepreneurs or people who work in areas that are typically viewed as lower-skilled. We’ll see that these “givers” aren’t the exception to the rule; they’re highly representative of the broader immigrant community.

Between a Wall and a Hard Place: Ambassador Martha Bárcena Coqui Feb 05, 2020

We wrap up our border series, Between a Wall and a Hard Place, by taking a step back and looking at the region as a whole. Ali talks to Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena Coqui about practical solutions to meet border challenges and what an ideal future for the U.S.-Mexico border would look like.

Americans often think we’re stuck between choosing an open-borders or a closed-off approach, but ultimately we’ll see how that’s a false choice.

Between a Wall and a Hard Place: Migrant Protection Protocols Jan 29, 2020

In the third episode of our journey along the U.S.-Mexico border, we take a look at the chaos that migrants face when they arrive in the U.S. due to new border policies from the Trump administration. Rules such as the Migrant Protection Protocols — implemented one year ago — are creating more disorder rather than deterring people from seeking safety here.

Ali hears from policy experts Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy counsel at the American Immigration Council, and Christian Penichet-Paul, policy and advocacy manager at the National Immigration Forum. They discuss the immediate risks migrants face as a result of the policy, as well as what a more effective system could look like.

Between a Wall and a Hard Place: Sami DiPasquale Jan 22, 2020

We continue our series, Between a Wall and a Hard Place, by hearing about migrant shelters in the border region, how the faith community is helping, and the challenges they face in doing so.

Ali talks to Sami DiPasquale, a faith leader in El Paso, Texas, who leads two organizations that help recent immigrants: Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach, a faith-based non-profit that supports families – many of them recent immigrants – throughout the city, and Abara, an organization focused on borderland connections and supporting migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Between a Wall and a Hard Place: Jason De León Jan 15, 2020

For the first episode of our new border series, Ali talks to Jason De León, a MacArthur Genius Fellow and author of The Land of Open Graves. Jason has explored the human consequences of deterrence policies through an in-depth anthropological study of crossings through the Sonoran desert — and how deterrence has failed to turn away border-crossers for two decades. His current project, Hostile Terrain 94, is a global exhibition that displays thousands of toe tags of people who have died or gone missing while traveling through the desert.

Jason tells Ali about the journeys of people who unsuccessfully made dozens of attempts to cross the border — and the objects and bodies left behind.

Trailer: Between a Wall and a Hard Place Jan 09, 2020

“Only in America” is taking a journey across the U.S.-Mexico border to see what attempting to enter the U.S. is like, what happens when migrants arrive, and how current border policies only create more disorder for migrants and Americans.

We’ll take a look at the how migrants often find themselves fleeing desperation and crossing into chaos — and how policies intended to incite fear are only making the situation worse.

By focusing on enforcement-only policies, policymakers think it will deter migrants from crossing. But we’ll hear from guests about the human consequences of disorderly policies, the chaos it’s creating on both sides of the border as asylum-seekers wait in Mexico, and what an ideal future for the U.S.-Mexico border could look like.

An Evangelical Welcome Dec 18, 2019

Ali talks with Leith Anderson, the president of the National Association of Evangelicals, an association of 40 evangelical denominations, as well as organizations, schools, churches and individuals. During his tenure, Leith has led efforts to engage American evangelicals around shared values related to poverty relief, prison reform, immigration, and more.

Plus, how thousands of evangelical Christians are urging their state governors to accept refugees and welcome them into their communities.

Immigrant Innovators & Idealists Dec 11, 2019

Ali talks to Ami Dar, the CEO and founder of Idealist, one of the most popular nonprofit resources on the web. Idealist helps people build — or begin — a career in the nonprofit world by posting hundreds of thousands of jobs each year. Born in Israel and raised in Peru and Mexico, Ami has always had a passion for social justice, and an ambition to connect people who want to do good together.

They spoke about his journey to success, the uniqueness of American opportunity, and why he founded Idealist.

Immigration Improv Dec 04, 2019

Vivek Venugopal is an improviser, comedian, actor and musician. He’s the director of revenue at Speechless, Inc., which teaches an improv comedy approach to public speaking. Vivek and his business partner Anthony Veneziale, perform an improv show called “American Immigrants.”

He and Ali talked about using comedy to help people reflect on their own immigrant heritage, and the importance of effectively telling your story.

When Headlines Meet Theology Nov 20, 2019

As the executive director of the Austin Baptist Association, Dr. David Smith works with congregations to create communities where all residents feel welcome in the pews. He also helps connect congregants who want to learn more about immigration with mission opportunities across the border in Mexico.

He tells Ali about he’s learned how important it is for people to experience the issue firsthand — and how eager they are to share their stories with people back home.

Instruments of Change Nov 13, 2019

Joe Troop is a fiddler, singer-songwriter and composer originally from North Carolina who moved to Argentina a decade ago. In Buenos Aires, he founded the Latin bluegrass band Che Apalache with band members from Argentina, Mexico and the U.S. The “Latin-grass” quartet has written songs about social and political issues, like the border wall and Dreamers. He told Ali how they’re using their unique blend of sounds to advocate for immigrants.

America’s Growing Pains Nov 06, 2019

As the U.S. continues to become a richer, more diverse society, it’s no surprise that we experience growing pains and identity crises along the way. Ali talks to Cherie Harder, President of the Trinity Forum, about how she works at the intersection of faith and politics to address polarization. They talk about what the idea of America means and how to find unifying forces that bind us together as Americans.

Inheriting and Surviving Trauma Oct 30, 2019

Ali talks to author and former speechwriter for President Obama, Adam Frankel, about the trauma that migrants face, how that can affect future generations, and how to address it.

In his new book, “The Survivors: A Story of War, Inheritance, and Healing,” Adam describes his family’s journey from the Holocaust to America and the ways intergenerational trauma has shaped his identity in ways he never expected.

The Art of Leaving Home Oct 23, 2019

Felipe Jacome is a photographer and artist focusing on “issues of human mobility and human rights.” His latest project, “Caminantes,” documents immigrant journeys — and the reasons for them — through portraits of Venezuelan refugees.

Born in Ecuador, Felipe immigrated to the U.S. with his family as a teenager and decided to pursue photography after producing a photo essay on a trip to Mexico’s southern border. He and Ali spoke about conditions in Venezuela, migration in Latin America, and what he wants people to take away from his work.

Finding Home in Oklahoma Oct 16, 2019

South Tulsa Baptist Church in suburban Tulsa, Oklahoma, is helping immigrants from more than 30 countries thrive and navigate a new life through their international and refugee ministry. Ali talks to Eric Costanzo, the church’s lead pastor, and Cesar Quintero, an active member of the church community and an immigrant from Venezuela. What followed was an inspiring conversation about faith, hope and community.

Plus, hear Oklahoma Republican Senator James Lankford discuss how his faith has led him to urge for a compassionate approach to immigration.

Finding Truth in Border Stories Oct 09, 2019

Oscar Cásares is the author of Brownsville, Amigoland and the new novel Where We Come From. He teaches creative writing at the University of Texas at Austin.

Originally from the border town of Brownsville, Texas, Oscar grew up surrounded by stories of life on the border. He and Ali spoke about what led him to become a writer, how he came to identify as a Mexican American, and the power of storytelling.

Episode 100: Maeve Higgins and the Power of Immigrant Stories Oct 02, 2019

Ali talks to author and comedian Maeve Higgins, who is host of the podcast “Maeve in America: Immigration IRL.” Maeve brings listeners “funny, beautiful and sometimes maddening immigration stories, told by the people who’ve lived them.”

An Irish immigrant herself, Maeve hopes to show native-born Americans how similar immigrants’ hopes, fears and dreams are to their own.

Driving Success: Learning English with Lyft Sep 25, 2019

Ali chats with Mike Masserman, Head of Global Policy and Social Impact at Lyft, about the ways the ride-sharing company supports their immigrant drivers by helping them improve their English skills.

Plus, Ali hears from Fatimo Akinlade, a Lyft driver who moved to Chicago after facing hardship in Nigeria. She talks about why she’s eager to participate in the classes and better her English.

And Teresita Wisell, Executive Director of the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education, talks about how language learning is a key part of how immigrants integrate into communities across the U.S.

Fighting for Citizenship Sep 18, 2019

For this week’s Citizenship Day episode, Ali speaks with Valdeta Mehanja, a MAVNI program recruit and Army Black Hawk pilot-in-training who is currently serving in the Alabama National Guard. Originally from Kosovo, Val spent time in German refugee camps before working as a military contractor for the U.S., where she realized her passion for military service. She and Ali spoke about her journey to the U.S., and what it was like for her to become a citizen.

Ali also speaks to Laura Bingham of the Open Society Justice Initiative about their new report, Unmaking Americans: Insecure Citizenship in the United States, which looks at the threats currently facing the longstanding protections of U.S. Citizenship.

Safety in Uncertain Times Sep 11, 2019

Sheriff Peter Koutoujian of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, is dedicated to building trust with all residents of the incredibly large and diverse county. As a former state representative and a leader in state and national law enforcement associations, his position as an elected official gives him a unique platform to understand the narrative around public safety and law enforcement in America.

He and Ali discuss the local effects of federal immigration policies and the importance of public service. Plus — how police chiefs and sheriffs are showing they’re committed to serving all community members, regardless of immigration status.

With Dignity & Ice Cream for All Sep 04, 2019

Matthew McCarthy is the CEO of Ben & Jerry’s, where he leads a company known for its commitment to advocating for immigrants and refugees, along with a plethora of other important social issues.

Matthew and Ali talked about what it’s like to lead Ben & Jerry’s, and the role that social and political activism plays in the past, present and future of the company.

Fear and Hope for a Muslim Refugee Aug 28, 2019

For this week’s episode, Ali talked to Ado Mustafic, a refugee from Bosnia who lives in Twin Falls, Idaho. Fleeing the ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims, his family embarked on a two-year journey crossing borders as refugees. Ultimately, they resettled in the U.S. and started over in Idaho.

Ado talks about growing up amidst the war in Bosnia that tore his family apart and coming to the U.S. just two days before 9/11. He tells Ali about what it’s like living in Twin Falls, how he feels unsafe worshipping at local mosques in the U.S., and about the Americans in his community who have welcomed him.

Three Generations, One Migration Journey Aug 21, 2019

Ali talks to Jason DeParle, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and veteran New York Times reporter. He is the author of a new book called A Good Provider is One Who Leaves: One Family and Migration in the 21st Century, which tells the story of migration through a multigenerational saga of one Filipino family.

Jason tells Ali about the sacrifices the family made to escape poverty and how they found home in the United States — and how their story gives insight into what migration looks like today in this new age of global migration.

Undocumented in Biblical Times Aug 14, 2019

This week, Ali chats with Karen Gonzalez, an immigrant from Guatemala who now advocates for refugees as the Director of Human Resources at World Relief. She is the author of the new book, The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. As an immigrant, an advocate and a Christian, she discusses her perspective on our nation’s immigration debate. She and Ali talked about her work, her book and what she hopes people of faith will take away from reading it.

Building Hope in Cleveland Aug 07, 2019

Continuing our focus on immigration in Ohio, Ali talks to Eileen Wilson, the director of Refugee & Immigrant Ministries at Building Hope in the City Cleveland. She oversees an incredible range of programs that help new residents transform a foreign place into their new home. They talk about Eileen’s immigrant story, love for her hometown, and the importance of tough love in her work.

Open for Business in the Buckeye State Jul 31, 2019

Adrian Bota is an entrepreneur based in Cleveland, Ohio, and the founder of A2 Milk.

Adrian sat down with Ali at an immigration convening in Columbus, Ohio, to share how his immigrant journey molded him into the entrepreneur he is today, and how his family went from escaping religious and political persecution in Romania to thriving in Cleveland.

Making It Count Jul 24, 2019

This week Ali talks with Karen Narasaki, a civil rights leader and human rights activist who is an expert on the census. She spent two decades as president and executive director of the premier civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC and served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights under President Obama. Karen tells Ali about her efforts to organize the financial and political resources necessary for a full and clean 2020 Census.

Profiling Hardship in Honduras Jul 17, 2019

Ali talks to Sonia Nazario, award-winning journalist and the author of Enrique’s Journey, a story about a 17-year-old boy from Honduras who travels a dangerous road to the U.S. looking for his mother. She has received multiple awards for her recent humanitarian efforts to get lawyers for unaccompanied migrant children.

Sonia talks to Ali about hardships that Hondurans who are fleeing violence face and the factors pushing them to make the difficult decision to leave their homes in search of safety.

International Street Food: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges Jul 10, 2019

Rose Previte is an award-winning restaurateur based in Washington, D.C., and the owner of Compass Rose and Maydan. Ali joined her in Compass Rose’s Bedouin tent to discuss family, travel and using food to make cultural connections.

Investing in Immigrants Jul 03, 2019

Ali talks to Steve Kuhn, who spent his career at some of the top financial firms and worked as a hedge fund manager, retired, and dedicated his efforts toward philanthropy and immigration. Steve founded IDEAL Immigration, an organization that advocates for the economic and social benefits of immigration to the U.S.

And Ali takes a look at the role of immigration in the 2020 election cycle, including policy proposals in the Democratic presidential debates and how Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be a driving issue of the election.

Reclaiming the History of Chinese Railroad Workers Jun 26, 2019

This week, on the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, Ali remembers the sacrifice of thousands of immigrant laborers from China through the work of a California artist.

Jason Ma created the musical "Gold Mountain" based on the lives of those who struggled to complete the project, which shortened a perilous months-long journey to less than week, and transformed the American economy.

Jason talks about his life, work and family, and how the musical has revived the memory of the enormous sacrifice made by the Chinese workers.

The Power of Language: Supporting Immigrant Workers Jun 19, 2019

This week, Ali goes back to school, and joins an English language class of immigrant Whole Foods employees. It's part of the National Immigration Forum's program "Skills and Opportunity for the New American Workforce." As Ali discovered, it's not simply enabling them to better engage with the customers – it's transforming their lives.

From Farm Worker to the White House Jun 12, 2019

This week we meet Daniel Garza, who started life picking crops with his Mexican American family, and rose to be a senior advisor in the George W. Bush Administration. Now he's a leading advocate for Hispanic immigrants. He leads the Libre Initiative, a grassroots non-profit which works to empower the Hispanic communities of America. It advocates for free enterprise, and aims to equip Hispanics with the tools they need to be prosperous.

Later in the show, we celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month with some of America's industry pioneers, at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. Rosanna Durruthy, the head of Global Diversity at LinkedIn spoke to the contributions that immigrants, Dreamers and TPS recipients make to our diverse workforce.

Taste of Home Jun 05, 2019

This week, Ali talks to Pati Jinich, host of the popular James Beard Award-winning and Emmy-nominated PBS series Pati's Mexican Table.

Pati taught Ali how to prepare nopales, or cactus paddles, as the two discussed Pati’s love for food, her family’s history of migration, and the dish she’d serve lawmakers to convince them to pass immigration reform.

Keeping a Changing America Safe May 29, 2019

Sherif Almiggabber is an officer within the Community Engagement Unit at the Montgomery County Police Department, where he has worked for 13 years. Montgomery County, Maryland — right outside of Washington, D.C. — is one of the most diverse counties in America.

Hear his conversation with Ali about how, as an immigrant from Egypt and as a Muslim, he gets to know the people in his county’s Muslim communities and how cultural awareness builds trust, in turn keeping all of us safer.

Against the Odds in Lumpkin May 22, 2019

Marty Rosenbluth is the only immigration attorney in Lumpkin, Georgia, near the Stewart Detention Center, where detainees face a tough legal process and often lack representation. He and Ali talk about how he helps immigrants navigate the complex legal web and the lack of due process in our immigration court system.

Idaho’s ‘Amigo del Año’ May 15, 2019

Chuck Staben is president of the University of Idaho. He has been named the “Amigo del Año” (Friend of the Year) by the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs for his work on the Caminos al Futuro program and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) initiative, both of which provide academic support immigrant students.

Chuck spoke to Ali about how to serve the state’s growing LatinX community, what sparked his interest in research, and Idaho dairy.

Gulab Jamun and Fried Okra: Cultural Understanding in the Deep South May 08, 2019

Susan West is director of the Conversational English Ministry for the Montgomery Baptist Association in Montgomery, Alabama. A retired teacher, she previously taught English to the families of foreign officers receiving officer training at Maxwell Air Force Base. She highly recommends the children’s book “The Hundred Dresses” by Evelyn Estes.

In Their Shoes: Empathy and Immigration May 01, 2019

Belinda Bauman is a writer, teacher and advocate living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is the author of “Brave Souls: Experiencing the Audacious Power of Empathy.” Belinda is also the founder of the One Million Thumbprints, which advocates for women in the most dangerous conflict zones in the world. Her work has also appeared in HuffPost and The Daily Beast.

Building Trust: Lessons from Small Town Police Chiefs Apr 24, 2019

Ali chats this week with police chiefs Andy Harvey of Palestine, Texas; Dwight Henninger of Vail, Colorado, and Steve Stahl of Maricopa, Arizona. They spoke about how they each connect with their immigrant communities, the importance of trust and keeping communities safe.

Chief Harvey spoke about relational policing, Chief Henninger recalled borrowing a model program from another county to successfully engage immigrants in Vail, and Chief Stahl talked about building bridges with trust.

Bearing Witness Along the Border Apr 17, 2019

Ali’s guest this week is Beth Cossin, a network pastor with the Heritage Church in the Quad Cities in Iowa and Illinois. She is also site director for the Esperanza Legal Assistance Center in Moline, Illinois. Beth recently visited the southern border with fellow pastors from the Wesleyan Church.

She talks with Ali about bearing witness on the delegation trip to El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, the importance of sharing the stories of migrants and serving the underserved in her community.

“The Least Politically Prejudiced Place in America” Apr 10, 2019

Ali speaks this week with Amanda Ripley, a contributing writer to The Atlantic and a senior fellow at the Emerson Collective. She is the author of “The Smartest Kids in the World – and How They Got That Way” and “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes and Why.” Amanda recently profiled Watertown, New York, “The Least Politically Prejudiced Place in America.”

She talked to Ali about her start in journalism, the importance of traditional institutions in civil life and meeting two lifelong friends named Ann in Watertown who are political opposites.

Seeking Justice in Honduras Apr 03, 2019

Kurt Ver Beek is co-founder and president of the Association For A More Just Society, a Christian organization dedicated to achieving justice in Honduras through the implementation of reforms that would end corruption, violence and injustice. He is also on the faculty of Calvin College. Kurt spoke with Ali about the battle to end corruption and violence in Honduras, how the country has (and hasn’t) changed, and the hope he finds in the Honduran people.

H-1B and H-4: The Need for High-Skilled Migrants Mar 27, 2019

William R. Kerr is the D’Arbeloff Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School & co-director of Harvard’s Managing the Future of Work initiative. His latest book is “The Gift of Global Talent: How Migration Shapes Business, Economy and Society.”

Molika Gupta holds two masters degrees & is a patent licensing professional based in the Detroit area. She has an H-4 visa & advocates for other H-4 visa holders. Molika founded the Facebook group Immigrant Spouses ReWrite Your Story & the advocacy group Save H4EAD.

Ali spoke to Bill & Molika about high-skilled migration, the Trump administration’s impact on visas, and H-4 advocacy.

Revisiting the Utah Compact: An Immigration Plan Looks Forward Mar 20, 2019

Derek Miller is the president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber in Salt Lake City, Utah. Earlier in his career, he worked as legal counsel on Capitol Hill and more recently as president of World Trade Center Utah.

Derek and Ali discussed the reasons behind the signing of the Utah Compact, a declaration of five principles that guide Utah’s immigration discussion. The Compact ended up reverberating through the national immigration discussion. The pair also discuss the beauty of Utah, its rural areas and the struggle within the Salt Lake region to fill jobs in all industries.

A Sense of Duty: Instilling Values at the Public Service Academy Mar 13, 2019

Brett Hunt is the executive director of the Public Service Academy at Arizona State University. Previously, he served as a U.S. Army captain and Foreign Service officer .

Sara Nieves Pereia is a student and communications lead at the academy. Originally from the Azores islands, she recently became a U.S. citizen. Sara and her American husband moved to his home state of Arizona in 2011.

Ali spoke to Brett and Sara about the values the academy instills in students, the traumatic transition of immigration to the US, and what public service means to them.

Joke’s On Us – Insights from Satirist Lalo Alcaraz Mar 06, 2019

Lalo Alcaraz is a nationally-syndicated cartoonist, writer and producer based in Los Angeles. He is the creator of the first politically-themed Latino comic, “La Cucaracha,” the founder of Pocho.com and was a writer and producer for the 2016 Fox series Border Town. He was also a cultural consultant for the Disney Pixar feature Coco. He is currently a consulting producer and writer for The Casagrandes, which will premiere this fall on Nickelodeon.

Lalo talks to Ali about his parents’ journey from Mexico to Southern California, how their struggle informs his work today and how he foresees the country’s future.

In Between, Here and There – A First Generation Conversation Feb 27, 2019

José Olivarez is a poet, educator and performer. He co-hosts the podcast “The Poetry Gods” and his debut collection, “Citizen Illegal,” received widespread critical acclaim and was a finalist in the 2019 PEN America Literary Awards. Born in Chicago to Mexican immigrant parents, José was raised with his three younger brothers in Calumet City, Illinois.

In this week’s episode, José recites some of his poems and talks to Ali about their meaning, how he uses them to communicate with his parents, and his mother’s solution for all ailments.

Next Stop, Hollywood Feb 20, 2019

of this year’s Academy Awards, writer and critic Monica Castillo sits down with Ali to talk about immigration and movies. In her writings, she has called for more inclusion of immigrant stories in films. She talks to Ali about her cinematic influences, her Cuban roots and Hollywood’s missed opportunity to represent the stories of today’s immigration wave to the United States.

Monica’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Lily, and the Village Voice.

Rhetoric vs. Research: The Success of Immigrant Integration Feb 13, 2019

Harvard Professor Mary C. Waters talks with Ali about the progress made by modern-day immigrants in learning English and integrating into U.S. society. Despite the current rhetoric surrounding immigration, Waters says that native-born Americans have a more welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and research shows that “Americans agree more about immigration than we do about a lot of issues that divide us.”

Ali also discusses the Forum’s Skills and Opportunity for the New American Workforce program with Jennie Murray, the Forum’s director of integration programs.

Demystifying Our Southern Border Feb 06, 2019

The national conversation about our Southern Border doesn’t reflect the reality of border life. In this episode of Only in America, Ali heads to the city of Nogales, Arizona and across the border to Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, to hear the realities of Arizona’s largest international border community. There he learns how interactions with migrants and border patrol are at the core of everyday life in this border city.

Guests in this episode are Ernesto Portillo, a columnist for the Arizona Daily Star and editor of La Estrella de Tucson; small business owner Monica Weisberg-Stewart, chairwoman of Immigration and Border Security for the Texas Border Coalition; and Juanita Molina, executive director of the Border Action Network.

“It’s Just a Matter of Arithmetic” – Doug Holtz-Eakin on the Economics of Immigration Jan 30, 2019

Doug Holtz-Eakin is the president of the American Action Forum, a center-right economic and fiscal policy organization located in Washington, D.C. Doug talks to Ali about the benefits of immigration and how it will lead to a more robust American economy, the impact of Pennsylvania steel mills on his family, and his crisis of confidence in his early career.

Plus, the Forum’s policy and advocacy associate, Zuzana Cepla, discusses our new interactive map that provides information on career paths across the United States.

Inside ICE– Laura Peña’s Unlikely Journey from ICE Attorney to Civil Rights Lawyer Jan 23, 2019

Laura Peña is a visiting attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project. Laura grew up in Harlingen, Texas, along the U.S.-Mexico border before working for two presidential campaigns, clerking for a federal judge, and serving as an attorney with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Laura tells Ali about the personal and professional challenges of working for ICE, how the border has changed since she grew up there, and why the migrant families she works with give her hope.

Common Ground -- Aspiring to Meet American Values Jan 16, 2019

Doug Hattaway is a communications expert and the president of Hattaway Communications in Washington, D.C. He served as senior communications adviser to Hillary Clinton during her 2008 presidential bid and works with clients in government, advocacy, philanthropy and business on research, strategy and branding.

With the Ford Foundation, he has headed a team that talks to people across the country from different walks of life, exploring their aspirations for their lives, communities and country. The project, American Aspirations, helps organizations communicate in new ways, transcend social and political divides, and connect a cause to hopes and values that really matter to people.

Dr. Whistleblower: An Immigrant’s Story Jan 09, 2019

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a hero to many in Flint, Michigan and around the world for her medical research that helped uncover the alarming spike in blood lead levels of children during the Flint Water Crisis. At first Michigan authorities derided her work as “unfortunate”, but she stood by it and subsequently her research was validated.

Dr. Mona, as she is often called, has written a memoir about the water crisis during which she stood up to state authorities and her immigrant story titled, “What the Eyes Don’t See”. The Iraqi-American talks to Ali about her journey to the United States, her love of medicine, and the importance of engaging in our democracy.

She is an associate professor of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University. She is also the founder and director of the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, a model program to mitigate the impact of the Flint Water Crisis.

Renaissance Dreamer – A Holiday Special Dec 19, 2018

PhD candidate, jazz pianist, entrepreneur, Dreamer activist, TedX speaker: DACA recipient Saba Nafees’ resume is chock full of accomplishments for a graduate student at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. This week, Ali chats with Saba about her contribution to the Grammy-nominated jazz ensemble album, “American Dreamers: Voices Of Hope, Music Of Freedom,” featuring the John Daversa Big Band and 53 DACA artists, which recently received three Grammy nominations. Saba, who was born in Pakistan and moved to Texas at age 11, discusses her love of music, how she revealed her status to the world and what her father taught her.

From Undocumented to Vice President: An Immigrant's Journey Dec 12, 2018

This week, how Julissa Arce arrived from Mexico at 11 years old and rose to become a Vice President of Goldman Sachs. The best-selling author of "My (underground) American Dream," she tells Ali about her journey, and her leading role in the campaign for immigration rights. Her second book, "Someone Like Me," was published last September. Plus, Ali looks at the opportunity for positive U.S. immigration reform in the coming year.

Inclusion - The Key to Success Dec 05, 2018

Happy Birthday to Only in America - we're one-year old this week!

In today's episode, under Dr. Michael Crow's leadership, Arizona State University has become one of the leading academic research institutions in the world. In his conversation with Ali, he talks about the importance of inclusion, the lack of empathy in contemporary life, and what he learned being roughed-up as a child who moved from city to city.

The Courage to Lead on Immigration Nov 28, 2018

This week, Ali's conversation with two U.S. Senators on the cutting edge of the immigration debate - Republican James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Democrat Michael Bennet from Colorado. On November 15, they were honored with the "Courage to Lead Award" at our annual convening in Washington D.C., for their work across the aisle to advance bipartisan immigration solutions.

"Welcoming the Stranger" - A Thanksgiving Special Nov 21, 2018

In our 2018 Thanksgiving Special, Ali travels from Indiana, to Idaho, to the southern border, with three guests with different experiences of "welcoming the stranger".

Rafed Alsaad helped the US forces in Iraq, and had to flee his homeland to be welcomed in South Bend, Indiana.

Priscilla Salant, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Idaho, tells Ali how immigrants have become vital to the state's farming communities.

And Father Dan Groody, a University of Notre Dame Professor, finds the spirituality among the migrants at the southern border.

"An opportunity to relive history" - The Cubs' Joe Maddon Nov 14, 2018

This week Joe Maddon, Manager of the World Series-winning Chicago Cubs, tells Ali about his hometown of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and the project he established there to help the immigrant populations gain a foothold in American society. And he praises the contribution of foreign-born players to Major League Baseball.

An Identity Election Nov 05, 2018

On the eve of the mid-term elections, Ali meets León Krauze, a prominent Mexican-born broadcaster and journalist. León is hopeful for American democracy and the future of immigrants here, despite the demonizing of them before and during this election campaign.

And later, in Ali's weekly commentary - why neither Republicans nor Democrats have proposed the sensible solutions on immigration that most Americans want.

After Pittsburgh, Faith Leaders Express Hope Oct 31, 2018

This week, Ali talks with Shirley Hoogstra, President of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

She spoke of the diversity of her college populations, how they're working to become international citizens, and how people with different views can hear each other, civility.

Leading the Way on Immigration: American Industry Oct 24, 2018

This week, Ali chats with two business executives who are leading the way on immigration reform.

Pete Wiersma, a dairy farm owner, is the President of the Idaho Dairyman's Association. His grandparents came to the U.S. from the Netherlands, where they owned a farm which dated back to the 16th century.

Jeff Wasden is President of the Colorado Business Round Table, and talks about how immigrant contributions help grow Colorado's state economy. Both are participating in our annual convening in Washington, D.C. next month: "Leading the Way: An American Approach to Immigration."

Out of Many, One Oct 15, 2018

Americans want to move on from the polarized and rancorous political debate about immigration, full of misplaced fear and disinformation, to solutions based on what the Founding Fathers wanted: the results of our "Living Room Conversations" held throughout the country in 2018. Listen to the findings from those sessions.

And Ali meets the leader of the Anti-Defamation League, which has just re-released President Kennedy's book, "A Nation of Immigrants." Jonathan Greenblatt talks about his ancestry, his recent visit to the U.S. Border, and why the ADL fights for justice for all.

Sidewalks and Social Justice in San Antonio, Texas Oct 10, 2018

This time, Ali meets the Texas Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, who represents District 3 in San Antonio, where she was born and raised. She tells Ali about her family roots all the way back to The Alamo; the importance of social justice in her politics, the influence of "radical nuns", and how fixing the sidewalks is at the core of her mission.

When Storm Lake Met the Mekong Delta - the Rebirth of an Iowa Town Oct 03, 2018

This week, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Art Cullen talks to Ali in his home town, Storm Lake, IA, which has welcomed immigrants for generations from Vietnam to Guatemala. Storm Lake's population and economy continue to grow, bucking the trend of other Iowa cities and serving as a model for integration and diversity.

Diane Guerrero and the Forgotten Children of Immigrants Sep 26, 2018

This week, actor Diane Guerrero, from "Orange is the New Black" and "Jane the Virgin", talks with Ali about her latest book, and the story of her immigrant parents' deportation when she was just 14. Diane has already experienced the pain and the challenges facing separated children, and draws parallels with the migrant children who've been separated at the southern border by the Trump Administration. Her book highlights the long-term mental damage the experience inflicted on her, and now on many others.

Turning Away from Fear Sep 19, 2018

This week, Ali chats with Sarah Quezada, immigration rights advocate and author of "Love Undocumented - Risking Trust in a Fearful World".

And Ali examines the long-term folly of America turning it's back on the world refugee crisis.

Striving for a More Perfect Union Sep 12, 2018

Only in America could a small boy from South Korea, who fled the war in Vietnam, grow up to be elected to a position that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington once held. Ali chats with Mark Keam, who represents Virginia's 35th District in the House of Delegates, about bringing his immigrant experience to modern-day American democracy.

Learning from the California Experience Sep 05, 2018

This week, Ali meets leading sociologist Dr. Manuel Pastor of the University of Southern California. His latest book is "State of Resistance - What California’s Dizzying Descent and Remarkable Resurgence Mean for America’s Future". He tells Ali that the future of American success can be found in the way California has transformed it's politics, work, environment and immigration policies since the turbulent 1980's.

"We're From Everywhere, We're All God's Children" Aug 29, 2018

This week, Ali mourns the passing of Senator John McCain, a strong advocate of "American Exceptionalism." And he chats with another Vietnam veteran - Former Idaho Chief Justice Jim Jones, who is championing the rights of American immigrants and migrants.

Walking the Talk - Fostering an Immigrant Child Aug 22, 2018

This week, Ali meets author Gena Thomas, who with her husband fostered a 4-year-old undocumented girl from Honduras. Gena talks about putting Christianity into action - starting with tortillas, and ending with "Shalom".

America's Changing Identity Aug 15, 2018

This week, Ali talks with Ronald Brownstein, Atlantic Media's Editorial Director for Strategic Partnerships and a veteran political journalist. They talk baseball, America's changing demographics, and the prospects for the upcoming elections amid the controversy surrounding the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Exploring American Identity Aug 08, 2018

This week Ali chats with three authors whose work captures the contemporary conversation surrounding immigration and American identity.

Michelle Warren

Dr. Sandro Galea

Jorge Ramos

How Diverse Communities Can Choose Their Destiny Aug 01, 2018

This week, New York City Councilman Carlos Menchaca tells Ali Noorani how he got elected - by listening to the needs of the diverse communities he now serves, and empowering them to become active citizens in the democratic process. Plus, an update on the separated migrant children still without their parents.

"They're Children First, and Immigrants Second" Jul 25, 2018

Ali talks with Wendy Young, President and CEO of Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) about the thousands of refugee children separated from their parents at the southern border.

And later, how the World Cup recharged the immigration debate in Europe.

An Iowa Town: As Immigration Increases - Crime Rates Fall Jul 18, 2018

Mark Prosser, the Chief of Police in Storm Lake, IA talks about how the crime rate there has fallen as the town's immigrant population grows. He tells Ali about his policing strategy, how the town has embraced new residents, and how President Trump's policies may make people fearful of reporting crimes for fear of deportation.

Redefining What it Means to be American Jul 11, 2018

This week, Ali talks with author Laura Wides-Muñoz, about her book, "The Making of a Dream: How a Group of Young Undocumented Immigrants Helped Change What it Means to be American." And, as hundreds of migrant children remain separated from their parents, the number of deportations of naturalized citizens is increasing.

On Independence Day - Honoring America's Immigrants Jul 03, 2018

This week's Independence Day show features 16-year-old Fez Zafar, who brought Des Moines High School students together for a series of Iftar dinners; Hector Barajas, a deported U.S. Army veteran who's back in California after 14 years in exile; and Vartan Gregorian, President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

A Young Military Family Keeps the Dream Alive Jun 27, 2018

This week, Ali talks with DACA recipient Esmeralda Tovar-Contreras. She's the mother of a 19-month-old baby and her fiance is in the U.S. Army. As thousands of Dreamers are threatened with deportation by the Trump administration's decision to rescind DACA, Esmeralda hasn't moved back in to the shadows. Instead, she debated the issue in heated exchanges on late-night TV with a group of voters who oppose DACA.

Plus, we deconstruct the ruling behind President Trump's ban on travel from 7 mostly Muslim-majority countries.

Refugee Turned American Leader Jun 20, 2018

Kathy Tran arrived as a refugee from Vietnam in 1980 as a child. Now she's a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. On World Refugee Day, Ali chats with Kathy about her desperate flight from war, her run for high office, and how she's living proof of the reality of the American Dream.

How to Rid America of MS-13 Jun 18, 2018

In this special edition, the incredible story of the FBI informant who helped to break up an MS-13 gang in Boston, MA. Ali talks to journalist Michele McPhee who tells the story in next week's edition of Newsweek.

They discuss how the cooperation of Boston's immigrant community with law enforcement plays a vital role in fighting crime, despite the renewed threats of deportation under the Trump Administration's policies.

For Immigrant Families, the Calm over Storm Lake Jun 13, 2018

Ali visits the storied town of Storm Lake, Iowa, which proudly has one of the most diverse populations in rural America, and chats with the new Mayor, Mike Porsch. And later, the crackdown on asylum-seekers at the southern border, and the ongoing divisions in Congress over DACA.

"Embrace immigrants the way scripture calls us to" Jun 07, 2018

A Texas judge speaks out as hundreds of migrant children, separated from their parents who fled violence in Central and South America, are sent to detention centers near the southern US border.

And Ali chats with Jenny Yang and Matt Soerens from World Relief about how to unite the evangelical movement around immigration.

Three Women Paving the Way for America’s Immigrants May 28, 2018

Ali talks to three amazing women who are working both in public and behind the scenes to re-imagine the future for immigrants in the United States.

Left to Right:-

Gaby Pacheco, DACA recipient, and leader of TheDream.US

Karen Tumlin, Legal Director of the National Immigration Law Center

Sayu Bhojwani, President of the New American Leaders Project

How Detroit's Leading Latina plans to raise a Struggling City May 24, 2018

This week, Ali talks with Raquel Castañeda-López, the first Latina to be elected to the Detroit City Council.

Raquel tells of her childhood struggles born and raised in a diverse but poverty-stricken section of the city, and how the local residents gave her the courage to run for office. She also lays out her vision for the resurgence of Detroit, with policies which embrace the city's diversity.

Fleeing Baghdad for South Bend - the immigrant who helped the US Army May 17, 2018

Ali chats with Rafed Alsaad, who had to flee his home in Baghdad after helping the American forces in Iraq. Now living in South Bend, Indiana, he talks about saving his wife and children, but having to leave his wider family behind, and the welcome he received from the neighbors in his new community.

And later, why France's immigrants are now the country's top bakers.

Mahmoud M'seddi, winner of the Parisian Baguette section of the French annual Festival of Bread, with President Emmanuel Macron.

Making America Open Again - the Legal Battle May 10, 2018

Ali talks with Cecillia Wang, a deputy legal director at the national ACLU about the court battles against the Trump Administration's anti-immigration campaign.

She also directs the Center for Democracy, which encompasses the ACLU’s work on immigrants’ rights, voting rights, national security, human rights, and speech, privacy and technology.

Cecillia believes the collective will of America's communities to protect the Constitution will prevail.

Afraid to Go to Church, Afraid to Go to School May 02, 2018

This week, the fear in America's immigrant communities as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) continues to expand arrests and deportations.

And Ali talks to Rondell Treviño, from Memphis,TN, who founded The Immigration Project to demonstrate how the Bible teaches us to reach out and embrace immigrants. He’s also a Pastor at the Woodland Presbyterian Church in Memphis.

Rondell received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University, and a Master of Divinity from Capital Seminary.

He’s advocated in Washington for positive immigration reform, and is devoted not just to his wife, Laura, and daughter Sofia, but also to the Dallas Cowboys. We chatted about his efforts to encourage communities to embrace immigrants, and about his strange encounter with law enforcement in his home town.

A migrant's tale: "The only friend I have is God" Apr 25, 2018

This week, Ali chats with Catholic Priest and award-winning author and film producer Father Dan Groody.

He’s Associate Professor of Theology and Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, and the Director of the Global Leadership Program at the Kellogg Institute for International Studies. He draws on years of work helping migrants and refugees both internationally, and in the US.

His work began in Central and Latin America, but was inspired by a story from his high school days.

(Additional sound courtesy of NPR, NBC News and KETV Omaha, Nebraska)

Dr. Russell Moore: "The Future of Evangelicalism is at Stake" Apr 18, 2018

This week, Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest Protestant denomination.

He talks to Ali about how to heal the divides on immigration among the Evangelical Christian churches of America. "There are two signs at the border" he says, quoting a former Southern Baptist leader.

"One says 'Keep Out' , the other says 'Help Wanted'."

And later, ICE deportations gather pace, leading to fear in America's immigrant communities.

From the Refugee Crisis, the Jihadists of the Future Apr 11, 2018

A leading international journalist says President Trump's immigration policies have changed America's relationships with the world.

Mindy Belz of World magazine tells Ali that some of today's unwelcome refugees fleeing war, poverty and oppression could become the Jihadis of the future.

SPECIAL - The Honduran Caravan: "Everyone is hell-bent against them" Apr 05, 2018

In this Special Edition of Only in America, Alex Mensing, Project Coordinator for Pueblos Sin Fronteras, talked to Ali from the Mexican side of the Guatemalan border, where a caravan of migrants were preparing for another leg of their desperate journey northwards towards Mexico City.

Alex says the contingent, mostly of women and children, is fleeing poverty, violence and oppression by the regime in Honduras. He says the migrants feel like everyone - from Mexico, to Trump's United States - is "hell-bent against them".

Trump's America "dangerous and hostile for immigrants" - Jorge Ramos Apr 04, 2018

"Get back to Univision" yelled Presidential candidate Trump as he ejected journalist Jorge Ramos from a news conference in 2015.

In this episode Jorge, known as Mexico's Walter Cronkite to millions of viewers, tells Ali that Trump has created a hostile and dangerous country for immigrants.

And he chats about his new book, "Stranger: The Challenge of a Latino Immigrant in the Trump Era."

Flooded out, then scared of the shelters - the undocumented of Houston Mar 29, 2018

Ali meets with Jarrett Barrios, the CEO of the Red Cross Los Angeles, who tells of the mission to Houston, Texas, after Hurricane Harvey.

Many undocumented immigrants whose homes were wrecked still refused to go to the shelters, for fear of deportation.

And, later, why the citizenship question on the 2020 census will under-count key populations, leaving some states short of funding and political representation.

In the Eye of the Immigration Storm Mar 21, 2018

Karen Tumlin, Legal Director of the National Immigration Law Center, is in the heat of the battle over the Trump Administration's immigration reforms on several fronts. She gives Ali an update on migrant detentions, the "Muslim Ban", and the outlook for the Dreamers.

And later, Dreamer Gaby Pacheco on her experiences on the DACA campaign trail.

"My kids wouldn't survive working those fields" - a top Florida Sheriff Mar 15, 2018

Sheriff Michael Chitwood of Volusia County, Florida - an area the size of Rhode Island - speaks with our host Ali Noorani about how he polices his immigrant population.

He tells Ali many farms and businesses are dependent on low-wage migrants, and explains why the Trump Administration's edict to arrest the "undocumented" is beyond his financial and human resources, and his remit as a state law-enforcement leader.

And the Oscar goes to.....Immigrants Mar 07, 2018

At the National Immigration Forum's Spring Event, Ali's guests are Geronimo Gutierrez, Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., and Tim Dixon, Co-Founder of "More in Common". They talk about the immigration challenges facing America, and the polarization of opinions.

Snakes and Ladders Feb 28, 2018

This week, as President Trump speaks of snakes, a couple from South Carolina help students and immigrants climb ladders. Meghan and Derrick Smith, from Spartanburg, help disadvantaged young people get into college, and speak of their optimism that multi-cultural worship will save America's white churches.

"I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." Feb 21, 2018

What does the Bible say about welcoming immigrants? Twenty Christian leaders read the words of Matthew 25, when Jesus tells his followers, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." And, and Ali's Interview of the Week, how does the child of a single mother, living out of her car, become the President of a top American University?

Watch the video and download a free study guide

And in Ali's Interview of the Week, how does the child of a single mother, living out of her car, become the President of a top American University? A conversation with Beck A. Taylor.

The wall in the Dreamers' path, and discovering "Color Town" Feb 13, 2018

Ali dissects the critical Senate immigration debate, which threatens to leave the Dreamers in further limbo.

And the leader of the Wesleyan Church, Jo Anne Lyon, talks about her awakening, her life, and the Church's work to help immigrants.

Making American Democracy Great Feb 06, 2018

Sayu Bhojwani, Founder and President of New American Leaders, tells Ali that American democracy will be stronger when our elected officials mirror the nation's diversity.

And, with the March 5 deadline for DACA looming, who among the Republicans in Congress is going to "give a little" as President Trump says?

"Dark was the night, cold was the ground" - the real "State of the Union" Feb 01, 2018

Ali speaks with Sandro Galea - the Dean of Boston University's School of Public Health - a European immigrant who now leads one of America's top university colleges, about health and immigration, and about Blind Willy Johnson - the blues singer who inspired him, and his new book.

And after the State of the Union speech Ali gives his take on the prospects for the Dreamers, and how the deadlocked Congress might just find a way out, despite their divisions and the ambiguous input from the White House.

In Congress, the storm's ahead for Dreamers Jan 23, 2018

This week, Ali ponders how Congress - with it's competing and ever-divisive stances on immigration, will manage to safeguard the Dreamers. And he chats with Jer Swigart, from Bend, Oregon, the co-author of "Mending the Divides" and leader of the Global Immersion Project, on faith-based peacemaking and healing between communities.

"They're scared of us, and of the unknown" Jan 16, 2018

This week, Ali picks apart the twisted deadlock over DACA and the Government funding bill in Congress. And he talks to Gaby Pacheco - a prominent Dreamer - about her life, and her quest to find funding for college scholarships for thousands of immigrants.

From Arizona, the business case for the Dreamers, and for NAFTA Jan 10, 2018

This week, host Ali Noorani examines the challenges ahead as Congress wrestles with the future of DACA, with the deadline looming.

And the CEO of Arizona's Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Hamer, tells him about the indispensable role played by immigrants in the state's booming economy; why Dreamers must be allowed to stay, and how NAFTA can be a long-term success.

Voices of Christian Dreamers Dec 19, 2017

With the fate of thousands of DACA recipients still in the hands of a deadlocked Congress, Ali chats with four members of the Voices of Christian Dreamers, who visited Capitol Hill this week to plea for their American futures.

Guests;

The Des Moines Register DACA story

The dreamers of Utah come to DC Dec 12, 2017

Ali breaks down the math in the immigration debate on Capitol Hill, and talks to Bernardo Castro, a young Utah dreamer lobbying for an American future for himself and his family. Ali also chats with author Michelle Warren about her latest book, "The Power of Proximity", and her life among the diverse communities of the Denver, Co. suburbs.

In Miami - the hope beyond the rhetoric Dec 07, 2017

Ali talks with Dr. Eduardo Padron, the President of Miami-Dade College - America's largest community college. Dr. Padron talks about his optimism for the future of immigrants in the U.S., despite the "ugly rhetoric" currently surrounding the issue. Plus, Ali gives his weekly take on events on Capitol Hill.

Idaho: where a workforce becomes a family Dec 04, 2017

Ali visits the cattle plains of Idaho, where thousands of hispanic immigrants have powered the booming dairy economy. But industry leaders fear labor shortages if deportations increase.

The refugee children - an American transformation Dec 03, 2017

Ali talks with the award-winning author Helen Thorpe, who spent a school year watching refugee children who'd fled war, famine and disasters flourish in a classroom in Denver, Co.

Saving the Dreamers Dec 03, 2017

Congress is running out of time to choose what to do with the Dream Act recipients. And Ali goes to Illinois, and hears from the sheriff who changed his mind on immigration.

Chicago Faith, Baseball, and Immigration Dec 03, 2017

Ali is in Chicago, finding out how people reconcile their faith with the politics surrounding immigration. And how baseball's World Series is boosted by multi-cultural stars.

A flavor of Texas Dec 03, 2017

Ali visits Texas, where employment has risen thanks to the North American Free Trade Agreement. And he finds out how the people of Houston came together to meet the challenges of Hurricane Harvey.

Guess who's coming to dinner in Boise? Dec 03, 2017

Ali travels west to find out how diversity is affecting rural communities. And, we ask: does God believe in borders?