BONUS: Pushback Against Trump's Anti-Immigrant Agenda

BONUS: Pushback Against Trump's Anti-Immigrant Agenda

Author: Liam Heffernan April 19, 2025 Duration: 19:35

In this bonus episode, I'm joined again by Will McCorkle from the College of Charleston, following our recording of 'How Has Immigration Shaped American Idenitty?'

We had such a blast in our previous episode, but there’s just so much more to unpack! We’re taking a closer look at Trump’s ever-elusive border wall and whether it’s ever going to be a reality or just a big ol’ distraction. Spoiler alert: it’s a bit of both! Plus, we dig into the wild world of birthright citizenship and what it actually means, because let’s face it, some folks don’t quite get it. Trust me, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and maybe a few "Did they really just say that?" moments, so buckle up.

...

Special guest for this episode:

  • Will McCorkle, an assistant professor of educational foundations and social studies education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on the intersection of nationalism, immigration, and education with a particular focus on more marginalized migrant communities.

...

Highlights from this episode:

  • The podcast dives deep into how immigration has shaped American identity, a topic that is both timely and critical.
  • We discuss the infamous Trump wall, comparing its reality to Biden's border policies, and how both are more symbolic than effective.
  • Birthright citizenship is examined, revealing the complexities of the 14th Amendment amidst current political pressures to revoke it.
  • The conversation touches on the importance of public pushback against extreme immigration policies, citing historical examples like family separations.
  • We explore the current political climate, emphasizing the need for checks and balances in government to prevent abuses of power.
  • The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage in advocacy, highlighting the power of collective resistance.

...

Additional Resources:

William McCorkle – The Conversation

Immigration and U.S. citizenship | USAGov

Six big immigration changes under Trump - and their impact so far - BBC News

US immigrant population in 2023 saw largest increase since 2000 | Pew Research Center

The impact of immigration on cultural diversity - Immigration & Residency

Legal Immigration: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Practice Mercy

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Contact us: america@podcastsbyliam.com

Join the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first...


Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

America: The Story of the USA
Podcast Episodes
IN THE MAKING: Will the Epstein Scandal Actually Change Anything? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
This week, we're talking about Jeffrey Epstein files, why both sides of the political aisle are uniting and, as the house is set to approve a bill forcing the release of the files in full, could this finally be the begin…
What is the Voting Rights Act? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:59
This week I am discussing one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in US history. Signed during the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement, it stands as a monument to the unfinished struggle for democracy.So I wa…
BONUS: Chief Seattle, Cultural Appropriation, and Native Legacies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:41
In this bonus episode, we shed light on the historical significance of Chief Seattle while confronting the challenges of finding credible sources about Native American history. We explore how his voice has been filtered…
Who is Chief Seattle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:11
This week, we are talking about Seattle. Not the place, specifically, but the formidable indigenous leader of the early 19th century. A warrior, a diplomat, a peacemaker, and an eloquent orator, his defence of Native Ame…
What is Disney's America... and Why Didn't It Happen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:17
Last week, I asked if Disneyland was the happiest place on Earth.Well, this week, we’re looking at the Disney theme park that never was. The concept for a historical theme park was initially earmarked for Virginia, but l…
BONUS: The Wild World of Disney Adults [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:52
In this bonus episode, we continue our foray into Disney theme parks, discussing the culture of Disney Adults and our favourite parks and rides.What are yours?Email america@podcastsbyliam.com with your opinions, or leave…
Is Disneyland the Happiest Place on Earth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
When Disneyland opened its gates in Anaheim in 1955, it immediately captivated generations of visitors. With seventy years under its belt, its evolution into a sprawling empire of twelve theme parks and six resorts has r…
BONUS: Cultural Appropriation or Recognition? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:56
In this bonus episode, Native American historian Camilla Townsend explores the grey area between appropriation and recognition, and how it's better to be symbolised imperfectly versus being completely forgotten.This foll…
Who is Pocahontas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:46
The narrative of Pocahontas is often overshadowed by the simplistic and romanticized version depicted in films. In this episode, we untangle the truth from the many myths surrounding her life, led by historian Camilla To…
BONUS: Why Did the Amish Leave Europe? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:26
This week, we journey into a world of horse-drawn buggies, plain dress, and profound faith. But beyond the stereotypes lies a rich and evolving story of migration, community, and quiet resistance to modernity.So in this…