Despite its reputation among many on the political left, the United States has welcomed more immigrants than any other nation in history. Today, the U.S. is home to more immigrants than any other country in the world. Even amid a heated political battle over the future of immigration, it’s undeniable that a core part of America’s national identity is its image as “a nation of immigrants.”Many Americans proudly trace their ancestry to those who migrated to the U.S. in pursuit of the American Dream. Most take pride in knowing that people around the world dream of building a life in the USA.But immigration in the U.S. has always been complicated. Today, the country is also home to the largest population of unlawful migrants on Earth. In recent years, the U.S. southern border with Mexico has been cited as one of the most porous and chaotic in the world. Additionally, the U.S. has the most backlogged immigration courts globally.Our episode today examines how the U.S. immigration system became so stubbornly, frustratingly, and dangerously chaotic—from legal loopholes exploited by cartels to the failed legislation of the 1990s aimed at curbing illegal migration, and from the enduring challenges of enforcement to the growing calls for building a wall and mass deportations.Our guests are David Leonhardt, Senior Writer for The New York Times and author of Ours Was a Shining Future, and John Sandweg, former head of ICE under President Barack Obama.As always, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at hello@reflector.show.Thank you to our sponsor Ground News. You can visit them here to learn more:GROUND.NEWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and former media columnist for The New York Times, teams up with Nayeema Raza, co-host of Mixed Signals and executive producer at The New York Times Opinion. They dive into the alarming crisis of trust in journalism. Topics include the clash between traditional media and newer platforms like podcasts, the influence of political figures on media perceptions, and the urgent need for transparency in journalism. They explore how tech advancements shape public views and discuss strategies to reclaim audience trust.

In this discussion, Mike Pesca, a veteran NPR journalist, and Emily Jashinsky, a Washington correspondent, dissect the puzzling rise of Donald Trump as he gears up for another presidential run. They explore the cultural and economic factors affecting his support, particularly amidst rising inflation and housing crises. The duo examines how immigration policies intertwine with voter sentiments and the media narratives that shape public perception. Ultimately, they analyze the evolving landscape of the Republican Party and the implications for the upcoming election.

Wars—like the one between Israel and Hamas—are not only fought on the battlefield, but they are also fought through stories. In today’s episode, I interview Eman Abdelhadi, an American academic, activist, and organizer in the Free Palestine movement. Abdelhadi shares a perspective on Israel that, while controversial, is gaining influence across the United States, particularly on college campuses.A recent Pew survey revealed that 34% of Americans under 30 find Hamas' reasons for fighting Israel to be valid, and only 16% of Americans support continued U.S. military aid to Israel. If you align with the Free Palestine movement, Eman’s story may resonate deeply. If you support Israel, it may be challenging and even frustrating to hear. But regardless of where you stand, I believe there is value in listening to a view that is shaping more and more of the American discourse on this issue.If you’d like to share your feedback on this or any episode, you can reach us at hello@reflector.show.Thank you to our sponsor Ground News. You can visit them here to learn more:GROUND.NEWSTo support our work please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today: Fears of another world war, a high stakes presidential election and the very divisive subject of American support for Israel. We speak with progressive voters who are considering staying home in November, even if it could lead to another Trump presidency. We unpack our reporting from the 2024 March on the DNC, examining the ways it compares—and doesn’t—to the 1968 March on the DNC.We also mention that a short video I took at the march went viral on Instagram, receiving millions of views and thousands of revealing comments about our divided country and how some Americans view the protesters.Andy’s viral instagram video from the DNC: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-3pPrkMwTX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_linkThank you to our sponsor Ground News. You can visit them here to learn more:GROUND.NEWSTo support our work please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Sarah Isgur, a former government lawyer and senior editor at The Dispatch, and Mike Pesca, a veteran journalist known for his insightful political commentary. They dive into why politicians lie and the societal implications of these deceptions. The discussion covers the complex motivations behind political dishonesty, the phenomenon of lie inflation, and the challenges of fact-checking in today's media landscape. They also tackle misinformation in hot-button issues like abortion, examining how narratives shape public perception.

Emily Bazelon, a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine and Yale Law researcher, dives deep into the troubling landscape of election integrity. She explores the divisive voter ID laws and how gerrymandering distorts representation. The conversation highlights a growing skepticism toward electoral institutions, fueled by social media conspiracies. Bazelon emphasizes the crucial balance between security and access in the democratic process, urging awareness and engagement as Election Day 2024 looms.

Dive into the tumultuous waters of the 2020 presidential election and the ongoing 2024 campaign. Explore the deep-seated beliefs of those who feel cheated and the chaos of January 6th. Reflect on the challenges to democracy and the urgent call for unity in a divided political landscape. The conversation tackles the emotional fallout of loss, the significance of gracious concession, and the dire need for cooperation amidst rising tensions. Join the discussion on how to navigate these unprecedented times together.

Stacey Abrams, a renowned advocate for voting rights and election integrity, joins the discussion on the turbulence surrounding election legitimacy. They unravel the complexities of the 2004 election claims and delve into the emotional stakes of the 2016 race, including foreign interference and social media impact. The conversation highlights Abrams' significant role in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race, igniting her national prominence amidst accusations of voter suppression. Expect provocative insights into the evolving landscape of American politics.

Megan McArdle, a former Atlantic writer and current Washington Post columnist, dives into the intriguing history of claims surrounding stolen elections. The discussion highlights the chilling parallels between the 1960 and 2000 elections, exploring the chaos of the latter's vote recount in Florida. McArdle emphasizes the importance of national unity during contested elections and the challenge of media bias in shaping public perception. This enlightening conversation sheds light on how past events inform our understanding of today's political climate.