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
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

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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

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