The Daily

How Border Politics Landed in Martha’s Vineyard

Sep 21, 2022

Miriam Jordan, a national correspondent for The New York Times specializing in immigration, sheds light on the recent arrival of nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants in Martha’s Vineyard. She discusses the political maneuvers by conservative governors to shift immigration issues onto Democrats. The conversation reveals the humanitarian crises faced by these migrants and highlights a striking contrast between political exploitation and local compassion. Notably, she narrates Lever Alejos' inspiring journey from desperation to opportunity, underscoring the complexities of migrant experiences.

33:15

Creator website

Episode guests

Miriam Jordan

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

Political Maneuvers in Migrant Crisis

14min

Martha's Vineyard: A Political Maneuver in Migration

2min

Political Migration: Controversies in Relief

10min

A Migrant's Journey from Desperation to Opportunity

2min

The Irony of Migration Success and Political Deception

5min

Last week, nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants showed up, without warning, on the wealthy island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Their arrival was the culmination of a monthslong strategy by two of the United States’ most conservative governors to lay the issue of undocumented immigration at Democrats’ doorstep.

How has this strategy played out and what has it meant for the migrants caught in the middle?

Guest: Miriam Jordan, a national correspondent covering immigration for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Scores of migrants have been shipped north by southern Republican governors. Here’s what you need to know.
Martha’s Vineyard, the moneyed summer resort, has become an unlikely arena in the fight over illegal immigration.

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