Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, sheds light on the moral imperative of America’s approach to asylum and refugees. He dismantles viral misinformation about federal aid and underlines the significance of preserving USAID and refugee programs. Konyndyk highlights how polling shows a welcoming attitude toward immigrants among Americans. Alongside Nayna Gupta from the American Immigration Council, they advocate for humane immigration reforms and emphasize empowering communities to take action and support vulnerable populations.
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insights INSIGHT
Presidential Power over Immigration
The President has significant discretion over immigration enforcement and how criminal penalties intersect with it.
Congress, public protest, and legal challenges can limit this power.
insights INSIGHT
Impact of Trump's Policies
Trump's policies affect all immigrants, including those with lawful status, temporary visas, and those seeking asylum.
Undocumented immigrants, often misrepresented as criminals, are integral to American society and economy.
insights INSIGHT
Economic Impact of Deportations
Deporting undocumented immigrants would severely impact local economies and national GDP.
They represent significant portions of key workforces like construction and agriculture.
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The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis
Jonathan Blitzer
Yellow face
Yellow face
David Henry Hwang
Power of Persuasion
Mandinam Press
Shelagh Watkins
The Power of Persuasion follows Beth Durban, a scientific researcher at a Scottish University, who leads a varied life filled with travel to places like New Zealand, Canada, Australia, America, Singapore, and Israel. When Beth writes a letter to the editor in response to a film critic's prejudice against Jane Austen adaptations, she attracts the attention of F. William D'Arcy, the critic. As D'Arcy's mysterious appearances continue, Beth's life becomes complicated, and she begins to realize that she might not be too old to find love. The novel is characterized by its meandering digressions and flashbacks, giving snapshots of Beth's travels and past, and explores themes of human interaction and romance[1][4].
Stacey Speaks Up
Stacey Abrams
Kitt Thomas
In this picture book, Stacey and her friends are excited for 'TacoPizza FryDay' at school, but Stacey discovers that some classmates can't afford to eat lunch. Inspired by her community, Stacey devises a plan to make their voices heard and advocate for a policy change to ensure all students can eat. The story highlights the importance of collective action and the power of individual voices in creating positive change.
Trump's immigration crackdown is in full force. Three weeks in, he’s signed 10 executive orders targeting everyone from migrants attempting to cross the border to refugees seeking asylum from their war-torn countries. This week, Stacey Abrams dives deep with two expert guests. Nayna Gupta, Director of Policy at the American Immigration Council, breaks down how immigrants already in the US are being affected, the rise in ICE raids, what a humane immigration system should look like, and how to empower those at risk by knowing our rights. Then, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, explains why America’s stance on asylum and refugees is at the core of who we are as a country and how the world sees us. He debunks viral disinformation about federal aid, discusses the importance of saving USAID and refugee resettlement programs against attack, and shines a light on how polling confirms Americans are in fact welcoming to immigrants. Together, they explain why we should harness a shared vision for our country with immigration as a vital part. Stacey also answers a listener question about how people can form citizen action groups in their local areas.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.
Learn & Do More:
To understand more about undocumented immigration, asylum seekers, refugees, and how to know your rights against ICE, visit organizations dedicated to each issue for further insight. This includes Refugees International’s Advocacy Lab, the American Immigration Council, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The National Domestic Workers Alliance also has a helpful guide to know your rights and to prepare yourself.
At a time of heightened anti-immigrant rhetoric influencing all members of Congress, it is even more important they know that you support your immigrant friends and neighbors - on both sides of the aisle. Write and call your members of Congress. The Congressional switchboard number is 202-224-3121. Give them your state & zip code and ask to be transferred to your representative and Senators. Please also contact your state and city government to advocate for better policies at the local level.
If you want to help refugees resettle in the US, find an organization in your home state that does this work, like a local mutual aid group. Remember, these are families who have left everything behind. You can help with donations or by volunteering your time—whatever you have the capacity for.
Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams 
