Podcast appearances and mentions of Jeff Sessions

At a recent Immigration Newsmaker hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, Rodney Scott, Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, joined Center Executive Director Mark Krikorian for an in-depth conversation on the challenges facing CBP and the administration's broader enforcement strategy. The discussion examined current efforts to secure both the southern and northern borders, combat human smuggling and cartel activity, expand border wall system construction, strengthen coordination with ICE, and facilitate lawful trade and travel while protecting national security.Commissioner Scott oversees the front lines of America's border and national security operations. Under the leadership of DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, CBP has taken on an increasingly central role in implementing the administration's immigration and border security agenda, making Commissioner Scott one of the most consequential voices in immigration policy today.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestRodney Scott is the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.LinksPress ReleaseVideoTranscriptIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The latest episode of the Center for Immigration Studies podcast examines a recent U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memo emphasizing that adjustment of status - the process allowing certain aliens, either temporary visa holders or unlawfully present, who are eligible for permanent residence to obtain it without leaving the United States - is a discretionary benefit and not a guaranteed alternative to consular processing abroad.The discussion between Senior Legal Fellow George Fishman and Director of Policy Studies Jessica Vaughan is accompanied by a new report and a policy blog on the subject.Among the key findings:Congress created adjustment of status under section 245 of the new Immigration and Nationality Act in 1952 largely to eliminate the need for temporary visa holders already in the United States to travel outside the U.S. for immigrant visa processing to permanent status.In FY2023, which is the most recent year for which statistics on adjustment of status admissions are available, the number of adjustments was 608,260 out of 1,172,910 total immigrant admissions, or 52 percent. Of these adjustments, by far the largest share were in the category of Immediate Relatives (315,830). In contrast, in 2023 only 146,880 people adjusted in all the employment categories combined, although this represented 75 percent of all employment LPR admissions.The policy change is expected to have its greatest impact on certain family-based applicants, including some who overstayed visas, violated the terms of admission, or entered illegally and received parole.While USCIS has broad discretion in adjustment decisions, courts have held that such discretion is not unlimited and may be reviewed for abuse of discretion.Existing legal precedent does not clearly support treating the mere act of seeking adjustment of status as a negative factor weighing against an applicant.USCIS has indicated that it may exercise discretion and offer some applicants the opportunity to adjust if it is in the national interest, such as in the case of applicants with meaningful employment or for humanitarian considerations.Fishman's report concludes that the legal significance of the directive will depend on how USCIS implements it in practice. If denial rates rise substantially or applications are denied absent meaningful adverse factors, litigation challenging those decisions is likely to follow (if federal courts allow legal challenges to adjustment denials outside of removal proceedings).Vaughan argues that the policy could strengthen the integrity of the immigration system as overstayers and parolees will no longer apply for fear of being caught for extended unlawful presence.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.George Fishman is a Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.LinksUSCIS Upends the Status Quo for Adjustment of StatusUSCIS Blocks Green Card Shortcut for Overstayers and ParoleesIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The latest episode of the Center for Immigration Studies podcast examines how the federal government can reduce illegal immigration through administrative, financial, and workplace enforcement measures designed to encourage self-deportation rather than relying primarily on large-scale arrest operations.Andrew Arthur, the Center's fellow in law and policy, joins George Fishman, the Center's senior legal fellow, to discuss what they describe as “briefcase immigration enforcement” — the wide range of legal and regulatory tools available to federal agencies that can make it more difficult for illegal aliens to remain and work in the United States indefinitely.The discussion follows recent Center blogs analyzing President Trump's Executive Order, “Restoring Integrity to America's Financial System,” which directs federal agencies to examine how banking regulations, lending practices, and identification requirements may facilitate illegal immigration and unlawful employment.The podcast examines measures such as requiring proof of legal status to send remittances abroad, restricting access to the U.S. banking system for those here unlawfully, and imposing criminal and civil penalties on aliens who fail to depart within 90 days of receiving final removal orders. The discussion covers proposals to send Social Security “no-match” letters to employers, make more it difficult for illegal aliens to obtain identification documents and driver's licenses, revoke commercial driver's licenses issued improperly, and expand employers' access to photo-matching verification to confirm worker identity and employment eligibility.In the final commentary, Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director and podcast host, discusses a recent Center report arguing that Congress should consider increasing the waiting period for naturalization to give applicants more time to demonstrate their character and commitment to the principles of the Constitution. The “1798 Solution”, so named because from 1798 to 1802 the wait was 14 years, may be one of the most effective tools available to prevent individuals who pose national security threats from obtaining U.S. citizenship.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsAndrew Arthur is a Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies.George Fishman is a Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.LinksBig Banks and U.S. Treasury Have Been Enabling Illegal Immigration for Two DecadesTrump to Banks: Illegal Aliens are Bad Credit RisksDHS and DOJ Begin Imposing Massive Fines on Aliens Who Refuse to LeavePreventing Naturalization National Security Threats: The 1789 SolutionIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wethefifth.comThe podcast is called Stay Tuned with Preet, and if you find yourself wanting more legal analysis from someone who knows the system from the inside and still has a sense of humor about it.-Trump 2.0 & the frictionless DoJ-The one thing Jeff Sessions did right-Even Bill Barr had his limits-Why do smart lawyers follow stupid instructions?-You don't have to win to scare people…

As the nation awaits a potentially landmark Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship, the latest episode of Parsing Immigration Policy features renowned legal scholar Richard Epstein for an in-depth discussion of the constitutional, historical, and legal arguments surrounding the issue.Epstein, emeritus professor at the New York University School of Law and the University of Chicago Law School, senior fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, and author of the new book The Myth of Birthright Citizenship, recently filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara. In the brief, Epstein argues that the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment does not automatically confer citizenship on children born in the United States to illegal aliens.During the conversation, Epstein explains that understanding the issue requires careful textual and historical analysis of the Fourteenth Amendment, particularly the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.”According to Epstein, the clause requires more than mere physical presence or birth within the United States. He argues that individuals born owing allegiance to a foreign sovereign, or whose parents are not under the complete jurisdiction of the United States, are excluded from automatic citizenship.The episode also explores Epstein's critique of the Supreme Court's 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which is widely understood as establishing birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. Epstein contends the ruling was wrongly decided and should not be extended to cases involving children born to illegal immigrants.Drawing on centuries of legal history, Epstein discusses the overlooked Naturalization Acts from 1790 to 1870, the writings of influential thinkers including William Blackstone and Emer de Vattel, and American legal practices before and after the Civil War. He argues that citizenship historically required allegiance and mutual obligations between citizen and sovereign - not simply birth within territorial boundaries.In his closing commentary, podcast host Mark Krikorian discusses the ongoing legislative battle over funding for CBP and ICE through 2029. Republicans are advancing a budget reconciliation package that could reach the House floor as early as this week or next. Because reconciliation bills can pass with a simple majority, the legislation would bypass the Senate's traditional 60-vote filibuster threshold. Krikorian highlights that the Democratic Party has embraced positions hostile to the existence of immigration enforcement agencies, creating potential political consequences in upcoming debates and elections.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestRichard Epstein is Emeritus Professor at the New York University School of Law and the University of Chicago Law School and Senior Fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.LinksThe Myth of Birthright CitizenshipThe Case Against Birthright CitizenshipBrief of Amicus Curiae: Professor A. Epstein in Support of the Petitioners and ReversalIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

Former Department of Justice pardon attorney Liz Oyer describes being pulled out of a meeting, told to pack up her belongings, and walked out by security the same day. Her offense, she said, was refusing to recommend that the attorney general restore gun rights to a politically connected celebrity without the information she believed was necessary to make that judgment safely. “Once you compromise your integrity, you cannot get it back,” she said. That moment sets the tone for a candid conversation about what it means to serve inside the Department of Justice, and what happens when career lawyers believe the institution they devoted themselves to has changed. Moderated by Stanford Law professor Pam Karlan, this episode brings together Oyer, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Rosen, and former DOJ civil rights lawyer Stacey Young for a discussion of public service, prosecutorial independence, clemency, civil rights, professional ethics, and the difficult questions of when to stay, when to leave, and when to speak out. The panel, recorded at a live law school event and presented by the Deborah L. Rhode Center on the Legal Profession and the Neukom Center for the Rule of Law, offers a close look at the professional obligations of government lawyers from people who spent years doing the work: Rosen supervising more than 1,000 prosecutions stemming from January 6; Oyer overseeing the federal pardon process and thousands of clemency petitions; and Young working in the Civil Rights Division while also founding the DOJ Gender Equality Network. Karlan, herself a former DOJ official, draws out the deeper questions behind their stories. Links: Former DOJ Lawyers Discuss Duty, Integrity, and Public Service During Stanford Law Panel >>> Stanford Law page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X (00:00:00) Introductions and what drew each panelist to DOJ (00:08:24) Loyalty inside the institution (00:11:19) January 6th pardons: impact on prosecutors and lack of vetting (00:32:04) Liz Oyer's firing over the Mel Gibson gun-rights recommendation (00:43:23) The "stay or go" dilemma and the bifurcated job market (00:47:15) Rebuilding DOJ: norms vs. enforceable laws and the communications problem [00:57:00) Student Q&A: red lines, accountability, and the Epstein files Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A new episode of the Center for Immigration Studies' podcast, Parsing Immigration Policy, examines the issuing of employment authorization documents (EADs), the use of executive discretion in granting work permits, and a proposed regulation affecting asylum applicants.The episode features CIS Director of Regulatory Affairs and Policy Elizabeth Jacobs and Senior Legal Fellow George Fishman discussing how millions of immigrants, including illegal aliens, parole recipients, TPS beneficiaries, DACA recipients, asylum applicants, and temporary visa holders, have received work permits without Congress's authorization.According to CIS estimates, roughly 15 million individuals currently possess work authorization and 4.3 million illegal aliens may be eligible for work permits. As a result, USCIS reports that it faces more than 1.7 million pending EAD applications.The discussion also focuses on a recent DHS regulation that would tighten eligibility for asylum-based work permits by increasing the waiting period from 180 to 365 days and barring applicants who are prima facie ineligible for asylum from receiving employment authorization and requiring the agency to pause acceptance of asylum-based EAD applications when affirmative asylum processing times exceed 180 days. Currently, processing times average over 1,200 days, while a new affirmative asylum applicant could expect to wait decades, according to DHS, before receiving a final decision on their claim.The episode explains that lengthy asylum processing times have created strong incentives for individuals to file asylum claims primarily to obtain work authorization and remain in the United States for extended periods while cases are pending. USCIS currently faces massive asylum and EAD backlogs, contributing to longer processing times across the immigration system.The conversation also examines broader legal questions surrounding executive authority to issue work permits under the Immigration and Nationality Act and whether decades of expanding administrative interpretation have effectively allowed the executive branch to operate an immigration system outside the numerical and statutory limits established by Congress.In his closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director and podcast host highlights Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons' recent announcement that ICE identified more than 10,000 foreign students in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program who claimed employment with “highly suspect employers” and that this represents “only the tip of the iceberg.” OPT, which allows foreign graduates to work in the United States for up to 12 months, or up to 36 months for STEM graduates, was created through executive action rather than congressional authorization. The Center has called for the elimination of the program many times in the past.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsElizabeth Jacobs is the Director of Director of Regulatory Affairs and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies. George Fishman is a Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.LinksDHS Proposes to Amend Asylum Work-Permit Rules to Reduce Fraud and AbuseDOJ: Asylum Applicants Are Skipping Immigration Court at Record Levels; Their goal all along was work permits, not protectionDHS Issues New Regulation to Automatically Extend the Validity Period of Many Work PermitsWork Authorization Expansion Attracts and Embeds Illegal ImmigrantsGovernment Data Reveal Millions of New Work Permits Issued in 2009OPT Needs to EndIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

Trump's latest “victory” may actually be a political trap. In this livestream, Matt Robison and Cliff Schecter break down the Supreme Court redistricting rulings, the growing GOP backlash problem, Trump's dangerous Xi meeting strategy, Bill Cassidy's political collapse, and why the 2026 election environment may be far worse for Republicans than the headlines suggest.PLUS:Why Democrats may still be favored to retake the HouseThe real impact of the Alabama & Virginia redistricting rulingsTrump's collapsing support among independentsWhy Republicans may be “dummy-mandering” themselvesGraham Platner vs. David FrenchBill Cassidy, RFK Jr., and the Republican loyalty trapTrump, Xi Jinping, Taiwan, tariffs, and China leverageICE expansion and Trump's long-term immigration strategyCould Trump actually attempt a third term?Subscribe to Worth Knowing on Substack:Worth Knowing SubstackSubscribe to Cliff Schecter & Blue Amp Media:Blue Amp Media SubstackSubscribe for weekly livestreams, Political Rehab, election analysis, Trump strategy breakdowns, Supreme Court coverage, independent political media, and deep-dive conversations on the future of American democracy.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Opening monologue — Did the 2026 election just change?02:15 Are media outlets overhyping Republican momentum?03:20 Nate Silver, Nate Cohn & the real House math04:00 Why voter suppression can backfire politically05:00 Cliff Schecter joins the livestream07:30 Why Republicans may be overreading redistricting wins09:00 Farm bankruptcies, tariffs & rural backlash10:00 Why special elections matter more than polling12:00 Trump's independent voter collapse15:00 Republicans panic over 2026 numbers16:00 21% of Trump voters say he should be impeached17:00 Why Republican gerrymandering may become a trap20:00 Quiet Republican fear behind the scenes25:00 Graham Platner vs David French26:00 Nazi tattoo controversy & Democratic “purity tests”31:00 Comparing Platner to Republican extremism34:00 Al Franken, Susan Collins & lesser-of-two-evils politics36:00 Could Trump actually run for a third term?41:00 Susan Collins' vulnerability in Maine44:00 Bill Cassidy's collapse and Trump loyalty politics47:00 Why Republicans cannot escape Trump49:00 Jeff Sessions, Elise Stefanik & the MAGA loyalty trap53:00 Trump meeting Xi Jinping — predictions54:00 Taiwan, tariffs & China leverage55:00 Lightning round: worst undercovered Trump story56:00 ICE expansion & permanent immigration crackdowns58:00 Blue Amp Media & independent political mediaKEY TOPICS / SEARCH TERMSTrump news today2026 election analysisHouse redistrictingSupreme Court voting rightsVoting Rights ActTrump Xi Jinping meetingTaiwan newsBill Cassidy primaryRFK Jr politicsSusan Collins 2026Graham Platner controversyDavid French New York TimesDemocratic strategy 2026Trump third termICE raidsMAGA politicsPolitical livestreamIndependent media politicsMatt RobisonCliff SchecterPolitical RehabWorth Knowing#Trump #2026Election #Politics #Redistricting #SupremeCourt #Democrats #Republicans #XiJinping #China #BillCassidy #SusanCollins #RFKJr #VotingRights #PoliticalNews #MattRobison #WorthKnowing

The Center for Immigration Studies has released a new episode of its weekly podcast analyzing the Trump administration's use of travel restrictions and visa limitations affecting dozens of countries.In the episode, Jessica Vaughan, CIS's Director of Policy Studies, explains that the administration has implemented a series of “more expansive and more targeted” travel restrictions than seen in his first administration – affecting 75 countries through a combination of full bans, partial restrictions, and category-specific limitations.“These policies are not one-size-fits-all,” Vaughan notes. “They are tailored to specific concerns, including national security risks, weak identity verification systems, and high visa overstay rates, some exceeding 50 percent in certain categories. The restrictions are subject to periodic review.”Additionally, the podcast examines a January 2026 State Department pause on immigrant visa issuance for certain countries under public charge considerations, affecting nations with high rates of welfare use among immigrants.Vaughan's discussion with CIS Executive Director and podcast host Mark Krikorian covers how Congress has granted the president authority to restrict entry in the national interest, forming the legal basis for these measures. Currently, restrictions vary widely:Some countries face full entry bans;Others are subject to partial limits, such as restrictions on student or tourist visas;Waivers are available for compelling cases.Vaughan emphasizes that these policies coincide with a broader effort to strengthen vetting processes at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the State Department. This includes expanded fraud detection, a new National Vetting Center, and more special agents being hired.The policies are already reducing entries and agency workload, but their full impact remains unclear, as the administration has not yet released detailed data.In his closing commentary, Krikorian discusses two blog posts this week on assimilation in Miami, by Resident Scholar Jason Richwine. The experience of Miami shows that assimilation into the mainstream is not inevitable and automatic, and that large-scale admissions can make receiving communities unrecognizable. Keeping immigration low and slow is the key to successful assimilation.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.LinksPublic Charge PauseExec Order on travel bansMiami: A Failure of the Assimilation ModelMore on Miami as a Failure of AssimilationIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

At a recent Immigration Newsmaker hosted by the Center for Immigration Studies, Andrew Veprek, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), described a complete reorientation of the bureau, shifting it from a humanitarian assistance agency toward implementing U.S. enforcement and return priorities. The discussion offered a look at how immigration policy is increasingly being implemented through diplomacy as well as enforcement.In a discussion moderated by Mark Krikorian, Veprek said PRM is now organized around three basic functions:Remigration and Returns. Veprek outlined the work of PRM's Office of Remigration, including securing cooperation from foreign governments to facilitate the repatriation of nationals ordered removed, arranging third-country transfers when return to home countries is not possible, and supporting voluntary return efforts through Project Homecoming.International Migration and Refugee System Reform. Veprek discussed reforms to the global refugee and asylum system, and U.S. reassessment of international migration frameworks, including reduced reliance on multilateral institutions and changes in relations with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.Refugee Processing. He also detailed changes to refugee admissions, including the South Africa resettlement program, the transfer of refugee resettlement responsibilities from the State Department to HHS, increased fraud scrutiny, and the removal of UNHCR from its prior referral role in U.S. refugee admissions.Among the notable points raised during the discussion:Greater foreign cooperation from “recalcitrant” countries on accepting deportees;Use of third-country removal arrangements;Consideration of refugee protection as temporary rather than presumptively permanent;Potential increases to the refugee admissions ceiling;A more selective approach to international organizations based on U.S. interests.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestAndrew Veprek is the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).LinksTranscript: Immigration Newsmaker with Andrew VeprekVideo: Immigration Newsmaker with Andrew VeprekIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

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Today's Parsing Immigration Policy episode is a rebroadcast of an International Network for Immigration Research (INIR) panel that asked a difficult question: Can democracies actually deport large numbers of people, and what happens if they try? Despite years of political focus, large-scale deportation remains extraordinarily difficult to execute in democratic systems governed by courts, rights protections, and bureaucratic limits. This timely panel will explored what is politically popular, what is legally possible, and what is practically achievable.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsViktor Marsai is the Director of the Budapest-based Migration Research Institute.Matt O'Brien is the Deputy Executive Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform.Jim Robb is the Vice President of Alliances, NumbersUSA.LinksPress ReleasePanel VideoPanel TranscriptIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new podcast episode features immigration policy expert Rosemary Jenks, Policy Director and co-founder of the Immigration Accountability Project, providing a detailed analysis of the DIGNIDAD Act introduced for the third time in six years by Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.). Jenks characterizes the legislation as a broad amnesty proposal, referring to it as the “SAW Act” - short for “Screw All American Workers,” while also alluding to the 1986 Special Agricultural Worker program associated with widespread fraud.Key points discussed include:Scope of AmnestyDirect pathway to citizenship for an estimated 2.5 million “Dreamers,” extending beyond current DACA recipientsRenewable temporary visas for individuals who entered before 2021, with weak documentation requirements that will invite fraud; these visas are indefinitely renewable, effectively allowing recipients to remain in the U.S. permanently.A “rolling amnesty” mechanism tied to family-based immigration, including marriage to U.S. citizens Enforcement and Legal ConcernsA two-year deportation moratorium, allowing individuals, including those currently in detention, to avoid deportation and applyRestrictions on using applicant information for enforcement, shielding employers who hired illegal alien workersConcerns about increased incentives for fraud, including marriage fraudSystem Capacity and SecuritySkepticism about USCIS being able to manage a minimum of 10 million applications, numbers that will grow substantially if fraud is widespreadStrict timelines with rapid processing within a two-year window, raising concerns that vetting standards, particularly national security screening, would be among the first elements weakened under pressure, echoing issues seen in past programsDoubts that application fees would cover the full cost, especially given applicants' limited financial resources; critics warn this could create openings for third-party financing, including from cartelsHistorical comparisons to the 1986 amnesty program, where rapid processing contributed to massive fraud and lack of vettingEconomic and Labor Market ImpactImpact on wages and job opportunities for low-, medium-, and high-wage American workersExpansion of legal immigration pathways, including:Doubling employment-based green cardsCodifying OPT and allowing STEM PhD and medical students to stay permanently in the countryPermitting those on the visa waiting list for 10 years to enter regardless of capsThe episode also explores the political outlook for the legislation, including the possibility of a discharge petition in the House, which would allow it to come to the floor despite Speaker Johnson's wishes.In his closing commentary, podcast host Mark Krikorian highlights the recent election in Hungary, which resulted in the defeat of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely known for his hardline immigration stance. But his successor, Péter Magyar, is expected to maintain, and perhaps even strengthen, the current strict immigration policies.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestRosemary Jenks is the Policy Director and co-founder of the Immigration Accountability ProjectLinksImmigration Accountability ProjectThe 'Dignity Act'The Price of DignityThe DIGNIDAD (Dignity) Act as ‘Rage Bait' for Those Who Want More EnforcementIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The Center for Immigration Studies has released a new episode of its podcast featuring CIS experts Andrew “Art” Arthur and George Fishman, who reflect on their time working together on Capitol Hill, including their firsthand experiences on September 11, 2001, and the major immigration legislation that followed.The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how immigration laws are made. Arthur and Fishman recount the immediate aftermath of 9/11 as staffers on House Judiciary Committee and their roles in drafting legislation that helped reshape U.S. immigration enforcement, including efforts that contributed to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the breakup of INS into enforcement and service components within the new Department of Homeland Security.The discussion also explores contentious debates over criminal penalties, interior enforcement, and proposals that sparked nationwide protests in the mid-2000s. From the USA PATRIOT Act to the REAL ID Act of 2005, the episode highlights how national security concerns reshaped immigration policy and how some key recommendations, such as the creation of a biometric entry-exit system, remain unfulfilled decades later.Podcast host and CIS executive director Mark Krikorian also reminds listeners of today's International Network for Immigration Research (INIR) event (streamed live at noon ET) hosted by the Center. Panelists from CIS, NumbersUSA, FAIR, and the Budapest-based Migration Research Institute examine whether modern democracies can carry out large-scale deportations.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsAndrew Arthur is the Resident Fellow of Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies.George Fishman is a Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

There's a lot to unpack this week, not least of which being the President's open suggestion of committing war crimes against Iran. Mary and Andrew begin by underscoring the Geneva Conventions stipulation limiting the use of force in wartime to military targets – not civilian ones. Then, a major shakeup at the Department of Justice: Attorney General Pam Bondi is out. Andrew compares her ouster to Trump's firing of Jeff Sessions in his first term, and how the “sycophantic” nature of her allegiance to Trump did not save her job. Next, they turn to last week's oral arguments before the Supreme Court over birthright citizenship. Mary, who is steeped in the case, came away thinking that “the solicitor general has a much greater hill to climb” to convince a majority of Justices to uphold Trump's executive order at issue. Last up, the co-hosts look at another of Trump's EO's being challenged that would restrict mail-in voting, despite defending his own use of voting by mail in Florida's Special Election in late March. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: This is the Just Security piece Andrew referred to: When War Crimes Rhetoric Becomes Battlefield Reality: The Slippery Slope to Total War on Iran Here is Mary's MS NOW piece: The embarrassing lesson of Pam Bondi's confirmation hearing. Here is Trump's EO on mail in voting that was immediately challenged: ENSURING CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION AND INTEGRITY IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd reacts to the breaking news that Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi — the second Cabinet member ousted in a month after Kristi Noem — and warns that what should alarm Americans isn't Bondi's departure but what comes next. He explains that like Jeff Sessions before her, Bondi apparently had lines she wouldn't cross: Trump grew frustrated that she hadn't prosecuted enough of his political enemies and was dissatisfied with her handling of the Epstein files. He traces Bondi's complicated history with Trump back to 2013, when she received fraud complaints against Trump University as Florida's attorney general, then dropped the investigation after a Trump PAC donated to her campaign — a transactional relationship that defined her entire arc. He argues that Trump doesn't believe in an independent justice system and never has, that he doesn't care about the law but only about loyalty, and that Bondi — a former Democrat who grew up in politics and was once a mostly by-the-book prosecutor in Tampa — has now destroyed her reputation with everyone by serving a president who discards people the moment they become inconvenient. With Trump's former personal criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche now installed as acting AG and Lee Zeldin reportedly under consideration as permanent replacement, Todd warns the DOJ could get far worse. He closes by turning to the Iran war's cascading energy crisis, which he says will be the worst the world has ever seen with Russia and China as the primary beneficiaries, and lays out the impossible bind: the U.S. will likely have to deploy ground troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but there will be disasters whether Trump commits those forces or simply walks away. Then, Eyck Freymann — Hoover Fellow at Stanford University and author of the new book Defending Taiwan: A Strategy to Prevent War with China — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a riveting conversation about the world's most dangerous geopolitical flashpoint at a moment when America is stretched dangerously thin by the Iran war. Freymann argues that the remainder of Trump's term represents a unique window of opportunity for Xi Jinping to move on Taiwan, not necessarily through a dramatic amphibious invasion — which Taiwan's geography makes incredibly difficult and which would result in the U.S. destroying China's navy and air force in a high-intensity conflict — but through coercion, quarantine, or political manipulation designed to change Taiwan's orientation without firing a shot. He explains that Taiwan is more than a strategic asset for China: it's a democratic success story that represents a shining alternative to CCP rule, making it the lynchpin of Xi's "national rejuvenation" project. Freymann unpacks Xi's recent purges of top military leaders as a sign that he now has full control of the PLA, notes that Western intelligence agencies have struggled to penetrate China's inner circle, and warns that Xi may issue direct threats to Taiwan during their 2028 election — a pattern of coercion that the U.S. must develop tools to deter. The conversation turns to what a realistic defense strategy looks like — and what the Iran war is teaching Beijing in real time. Freymann pushes back on war games that show China winning, arguing they aren't a crystal ball and that the U.S. retains significant advantages in cyber warfare and conventional naval power. But he warns that China is more likely to pursue a "quarantine" rather than a full blockade — a semantic distinction with enormous legal and strategic implications, since a blockade would turn the entire world against China while a quarantine creates more ambiguity. He notes that China is carefully studying both Russia's failures in Ukraine and America's struggles in Iran to learn what not to do. His bottom line: in the best-case scenario, we're headed for another cold war — but China doesn't actually want to fight the United States because the risks are far too high, and the American public, already exhausted by Iran, has zero appetite for another conflict. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:15 Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi 04:15 There were things Bondi wasn’t comfortable doing, like Jeff Sessions 05:30 Trump doesn’t believe in an independent justice system 06:30 Trump wants the DOJ to serve his own ends 07:45 Trump doesn’t care about the law, he cares about loyalty 09:00 Bondi used to be a Democrat, grew up in the world of politics 10:30 Bondi used to be a mostly by the book prosecutor in Tampa 12:00 In 2013, Bondi received fraud complaints against Trump University 12:30 Trump PAC donated to Bondi, the she dropped the lawsuit 13:15 Like Bill Barr, there were lines Bondi wouldn’t cross 14:15 Bondi has hurt her reputation with everyone by working for Trump 15:15 Bondi’s firing should concern everyone. DOJ could get far worse 16:00 Energy crisis due to Iran will be the worst ever. Russia & China benefit 17:30 We’re going to have to use ground troops to secure Strait of Hormuz 18:15 There will be disasters if Trump just leaves, and disasters with ground troops 24:30 Eyck Freymann joins The Chuck ToddCast 26:30 What is the strategy for defending Taiwan? 27:15 The U.S. has a long-standing “One China” policy 28:15 The goal is to let the Taiwan situation get resolved peacefully 29:45 What’s the practical reason the Chinese want Taiwan so badly? 30:15 Taiwan is a democratic success story, shining alternative to CCP 31:15 Taiwan’s geography makes an invasion incredibly difficult 32:45 If China can take Taiwan, other dominoes in the region could fall 33:30 Taiwan is a “nice to have” not “need to have” for China 35:00 China’s project is “national rejuvenation”, Taiwan is lynchpin of that 36:30 U.S. stretched thin, best chance for China is while Trump is president? 37:45 Remainder of Trump’s term is unique opportunity for Xi 40:15 How should we read Xi’s purges of top military leaders? 41:45 Xi Jinping doesn’t give many interviews, remains an enigma 44:30 Western intelligence agencies have struggled to penetrate China 46:15 Xi is in full control of the PLA after the military purges 47:15 The last thing you want to be in CCP is the rumored successor to Xi 48:30 Xi may issue threats to Taiwan during their 2028 election 51:00 How does the U.S. deter coercion of Taiwan by China? 52:15 War games showing China wins more often are not a crystal ball for reality 53:00 A high intensity war would result in the U.S. destroying PLA navy & air force 53:45 U.S. has advantage over China in cyber warfare 55:15 U.S. can stabilize the situation by responding proportionally 56:30 China thinks they can win a PR war, change Taiwan politically in their favor 58:00 American public has no appetite for war, Iran war unpopular from Day 1 59:30 Could Taiwanese who want independence just flee the country? 1:01:45 Occupying Taipei would make Kabul & Mosul look like child’s play 1:02:45 A blockade of Taiwan is Plan B, not Plan A 1:04:00 A blockade would turn the entire world against China 1:04:45 China more likely to “quarantine” Taiwan than blockade 1:06:30 China has grown a middle class that will demand services & stability 1:08:00 China’s economic ties to other countries create their own deterrence 1:10:30 China is 1/3rd of world manufacturing, in every global supply chain 1:12:15 Some version of TPP is coming back because we don’t have a choice 1:14:00 In the best case scenario, we’re headed for another cold war 1:16:30 Invading via the Taiwan strait is incredibly difficult 1:17:30 Chinese military is untested, could they “test” somewhere else? 1:18:15 China is taking lessons from Russia in Ukraine & U.S. in Iran 1:19:30 China doesn’t want to fight the U.S. - It’s far too risky 1:22:00 Ask ChuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Todd reacts to the breaking news that Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi — the second Cabinet member ousted in a month after Kristi Noem — and warns that what should alarm Americans isn't Bondi's departure but what comes next. He explains that like Jeff Sessions before her, Bondi apparently had lines she wouldn't cross: Trump grew frustrated that she hadn't prosecuted enough of his political enemies and was dissatisfied with her handling of the Epstein files. He traces Bondi's complicated history with Trump back to 2013, when she received fraud complaints against Trump University as Florida's attorney general, then dropped the investigation after a Trump PAC donated to her campaign — a transactional relationship that defined her entire arc. He argues that Trump doesn't believe in an independent justice system and never has, that he doesn't care about the law but only about loyalty, and that Bondi — a former Democrat who grew up in politics and was once a mostly by-the-book prosecutor in Tampa — has now destroyed her reputation with everyone by serving a president who discards people the moment they become inconvenient. With Trump's former personal criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche now installed as acting AG and Lee Zeldin reportedly under consideration as permanent replacement, Todd warns the DOJ could get far worse. He closes by turning to the Iran war's cascading energy crisis, which he says will be the worst the world has ever seen with Russia and China as the primary beneficiaries, and lays out the impossible bind: the U.S. will likely have to deploy ground troops to secure the Strait of Hormuz, but there will be disasters whether Trump commits those forces or simply walks away. Finally, he answers listeners’ questions in the Ask Chuck segment. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 03:15 Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi 04:15 There were things Bondi wasn’t comfortable doing, like Jeff Sessions 05:30 Trump doesn’t believe in an independent justice system 06:30 Trump wants the DOJ to serve his own ends 07:45 Trump doesn’t care about the law, he cares about loyalty 09:00 Bondi used to be a Democrat, grew up in the world of politics 10:30 Bondi used to be a mostly by the book prosecutor in Tampa 12:00 In 2013, Bondi received fraud complaints against Trump University 12:30 Trump PAC donated to Bondi, the she dropped the lawsuit 13:15 Like Bill Barr, there were lines Bondi wouldn’t cross 14:15 Bondi has hurt her reputation with everyone by working for Trump 15:15 Bondi’s firing should concern everyone. DOJ could get far worse 16:00 Energy crisis due to Iran will be the worst ever. Russia & China benefit 17:30 We’re going to have to use ground troops to secure Strait of Hormuz 18:15 There will be disasters if Trump just leaves, and disasters with ground troops 23:15 Ask ChuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest episode of the Center for Immigration Studies Podcast highlights the 13th Annual Border Tour. For the first time, the tour shifted away from land borders, bringing participants to South Florida to examine America's maritime boundaries and the unique challenges they present.Hosted with assistance from Anthony Coker, Gov. Ron DeSantis's “immigration czar”, the tour offered an in-depth look at Florida's highly coordinated, “all-of-government” approach to immigration enforcement. Participants observed firsthand the seamless collaboration between federal and state agencies operating under 287(g) authority, which allows state and local officers to carry out certain federal immigration functions.The tour began with a roundtable of federal and state partners, underscoring the strength of these relationships. Attendees later joined the Florida Highway Patrol on a ride-along, witnessing real-time coordination with ICE, including routine traffic stops that included high-speed pursuits and arrests of illegal aliens, one of whom was a convicted murderer.Participants also joined Florida Fish and Wildlife officers and State Guard units on the water, where maritime enforcement operations are supported by radar systems capable of monitoring activity as far as the Bahamas.A visit to the state-run detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz” highlighted both operational capacity and humanitarian standards, including comprehensive medical care for detainees.The tour concluded with visits to an immigration court and a naturalization ceremony, where Mark Krikorian delivered the keynote address, offering a powerful reminder of the legal immigration process and the meaning of American citizenship.Florida's model demonstrates how strong leadership and interagency cooperation can deliver effective, large-scale immigration enforcement.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsMarguerite Telford is the Director of Communications at the Center for Immigration Studies.John Wahala is the Assistant Director at the Center for Immigration Studies.RelatedInside Florida's Alligator Alcatraz Detention CenterGov. Ron DeSantis on Florida's Gold Standard Immigration Enforcement ModelIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear one of the most significant immigration cases in decades, a new podcast from the Center for Immigration Studies explores who is entitled to American citizenship at birth and which branch of government has the authority to define it.On April 1, the Court will hear Trump v. Barbara, a case challenging Executive Order 14160, which seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily.In this episode, Hans von Spakovsky, Legal Fellow at Advancing American Freedom, and Andrew Arthur, the Center's Fellow in Law and Policy, examine the central constitutional question: what does the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution actually mean?They argue that the framers intended citizenship to depend on political allegiance, not simply place of birth, pointing to early interpretations and contrasting them with the broader reading adopted in the late nineteenth century in United States v. Wong Kim Ark.The Court could affirm current interpretation of doctrine, defer to executive interpretation, or return the issue to Congress.“This will be one of the most consequential decisions in years,” von Spakovsky notes.In the closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, executive director and podcast host, highlights a separate upcoming Supreme Court case involving Temporary Protected Status (TPS), where the statute states clearly that there is no judicial review of TPS designations. What are the limits to judicial review and will the judiciary allow the executive to carry out immigration law as written by Congress?HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestsHans von Spakovsky is a Legal Fellow at Advancing American Freedom. Andrew Arthur is a Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies.RelatedBirthright Citizenship: A Fundamental Misunderstanding of the 14th AmendmentThe Best Aspects of the ‘Birthright Citizenship' DebateBirths to Illegal Immigrants and Long-Term Temporary VisitorsThe Supreme Court Takes Up a Vital, Slam-Dunk Immigration Case [TPS]Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

As Virginia considers limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman warns in a new Parsing Immigration Policy podcast that such policies could undermine public safety.Both podcast host Jessica Vaughan, the Center's Director of Policy Studies, and Chapman recently testified before the Senate Budget Committee on the fiscal and human costs of sanctuary jurisdictions.Chapman, a 14-year sheriff overseeing Virginia's largest full-service sheriff's office, described cooperation with federal authorities as standard law enforcement practice. He describes his 287(g) agreement with ICE, which enables his office to notify federal authorities when removable offenders in custody are scheduled for release and hold them for up to 48 hours for ICE to pick them up. In practice, he noted, ICE nearly always assumes custody without delay.“Why would I release a criminal alien back into the community to commit another crime? I'm not going to apologize for doing my job — keeping people safe.”In the discussion, Chapman also emphasized accountability in law enforcement, noting that as an elected sheriff, he answers directly to the public — not political leadership. This allows public safety to drive the mission, not politics.Key topics of the interview with Sheriff Chapman include:How cooperation with ICE reduces the need for riskier at-large arrestsThe role of detainers and advance notification in transferring custodyWhy claims that cooperation discourages crime reporting are not true in practiceConcerns that requiring judicial warrants for civil detainers would “slow everything to a crawl”Chapman warned that proposed restrictions in Virginia, including limiting agreements with ICE and curtailing information-sharing, could replicate the public safety consequences seen in other sanctuary jurisdictions. The neighboring Fairfax County has had two murders recently, allegedly by individuals released despite detainers placed on them by ICE.HostJessica Vaughan the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestMike Chapman is the Sheriff of Loudoun County, Virginia.RelatedMap: Sanctuary Cities, Counties, and StatesWhich Sanctuary Jurisdictions Have Released the Most CriminalsTestimony - Sanctuary Cities: The Cost of Undermining Law and OrderAre Immigrants Less Willing to Report Crime?Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (TX) joined Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director, for an Immigration Newsmaker conversation discussing U.S. immigration policy, border security, and potential reforms to both legal and illegal immigration systems.“We've had open borders for four years, with an estimated 15 to 20 million illegal immigrants entering the United States,” Gill said. “It's the biggest political crisis we've faced in decades. More fundamentally, immigration touches everything else — it is the one issue that determines who we are as a country and as a people.”Gill addressed enforcement policy, immigration levels, assimilation, and current political debates on immigration law.Key TakeawaysWorksite Enforcement and E-VerifyGill emphasized worksite enforcement as a core component of immigration policy, arguing that job opportunities in the U.S. serve as a major pull factor for illegal immigration.He called for mandatory use of E-Verify, saying illegal employment undercuts wages for working-class Americans and creates incentives for illegal immigration and allows some industries to operate on what he described as “a lawless employment structure.”Immigration Policy and Cultural AssimilationGill argued that immigration policy should prioritize the interests of American citizens and preserve the country's distinct culture. He said the U.S. immigration system historically expected newcomers to avoid becoming a public charge and to assimilate culturally, noting that the country may need “several decades” to absorb and assimilate recent arrivals.Legal ImmigrationGill criticized the current family-based immigration system, which accounts for roughly 60 percent of legal admissions, and employment visa programs such as the H-1B program, arguing they are fraud-ridden and suppress wages.Welfare Use and Integration ConcernsGill highlighted welfare usage and English language statistics among Somalis in Minnesota, citing CIS research indicating that 78 percent of Somalis in Minnesota who have been in the U.S. for at least 10 years receive welfare benefits and that roughly half report limited English proficiency.Policy Debates in CongressGill also discussed the upcoming Supreme Court case addressing birthright citizenship and said the case could determine whether the president has authority to reinterpret existing policy or whether legislative or constitutional action would be required. He also credited the Trump administration with significantly improving border enforcement and called for codifying executive actions, including his proposed Remain in Mexico Act, reintroducing H.R. 2, and taking stronger actions against sanctuary jurisdictions, including defunding sanctuary jurisdictions and holding local officials legally liable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants released into communities.He also reminded listeners that immigration enforcement once enjoyed bipartisan support, but now moderate Democrats who supported enforcement are gone and mass migration has become a central political strategy for the Democratic Party making agreement difficult.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director at the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestU.S. Rep. Brandon Gill (TX)RelatedPress ReleasePanel VideoPanel TranscriptCIS Live StreamIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new episode of Parsing Immigration Policy features a wide-ranging conversation on national security threats tied to the historic surge of illegal immigration during the Biden administration. Host Andrew Arthur, the Center's Fellow in Law and Policy and a former immigration judge, interviews Mark Morgan, a former FBI agent who also served as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.In the episode, Morgan warns that the unprecedented number of illegal entries during the last administration created serious vulnerabilities for the United States. Under President Biden, 10.5 to 12 million inadmissible aliens were encountered at the border, most of whom were released into the United States. In addition, an estimated 1.5 to 1.8 million “got aways” - individuals observed crossing the border illegally but never apprehended -entered the country.“These are individuals we know nothing about, and the most difficult threats to stop are lone actors or small cells,” Morgan explains.Morgan emphasizes that border security is inseparable from national security, particularly as intelligence officials are warning of an elevated terrorism threat environment. The FBI and the broader intelligence community have described the current threat landscape as the most complex since the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.The discussion also addresses concerns about potential Iranian sleeper cells and terrorist proxies following escalating tensions involving the Islamic Republic of Iran. Morgan explains that the Iranian regime was responsible for more American deaths than any other organization, and that they have historically relied on proxy groups such as Hezbollah to carry out attacks against U.S. interests.Arthur and Morgan also examine emerging threats from foreign adversaries, including concerns surrounding the entry of more than 200,000 Chinese nationals during the Biden administration and the broader risks posed by individuals arriving from 163 different countries, including individuals on the terrorist watchlist and thousands of “Special Interest Aliens” who entered daily from nations known to facilitate terrorism.Morgan concludes that the long-term consequences of the border crisis will continue to impact U.S. national security for years to come, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement, improved vetting, and policies that restore integrity to the immigration system.Host Art Arthur is the Resident Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestMark Morgan isa former FBI agent who also served as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs EnforcementRelatedMark Morgan's new book, The Biden Border CrisisOperation Midnight Hammer and Threat of Iranian Sleeper CellsThousands of Special Interest Aliens Posing Potential Security Risks Entering via CBP One AppHow to Lower the Risk of New Terror Strikes by Border-Crossing Islamist ExtremistsBiden Administration Secretly Let in Thousands of Unvetted Migrants from ‘Countries of National Security Concern'Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

On Tuesday night, President Trump delivered a lengthy State of the Union (SOTU) address on Capitol Hill, during which immigration policy figured prominently. In this episode of Parsing Immigration Policy, guest host Jessica Vaughan, the Center's Director of Policy Studies, and guest Art Arthur, the Center's Resident Fellow in Law and Policy, break down issues that the President chose to highlight. Some of the discussed portions of SOTU address:The most political moment of the President's speech came when the President invited congressional members to stand if they agreed that, "The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”President Trump underscored the success of his border policy, fulfilling a major campaign promise. The speech also attempted to explain the President's current immigration enforcement strategy by highlighting various crimes committed my criminal aliens, including the death of Lizbeth Medina. President Trump promoted four pieces of legislation: “Delilah's Law”, which would prohibit states from issuing commercial driver's licenses to those here illegally; the stalled DHS funding bill; an act to end federal funding for sanctuary jurisdictions; and the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. There were two noteworthy omissions from the speech: legal immigration and temporary work visas.HostJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration StudiesGuest Art Arthur is the Resident Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration StudiesRelatedIt Is Impossible to Fully Vet Immigrants When a Culture of Corruption Exists New January Data Still Shows Most Job Growth Going to Immigrants; 88% since 2020, 72% in the last year Why Cutting Chain Migration Must Be Part of an Immigration DealIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A partial government shutdown that began at midnight on February 14 has halted appropriated funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), affecting FEMA, TSA, the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A new podcast episode provides an assessment of where negotiations stand and what is at stake for immigration enforcement nationwide.Guest Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations for the Immigration Accountability Project, discusses the evolving Democratic demands that triggered the partial government shutdown. Initially vague, those demands have since focused on proposed restrictions on ICE operations, including requiring judicial warrants for civil immigration enforcement, prohibiting enforcement at or near certain locations (such as schools, hospitals, churches, courthouses, and more), banning officer face coverings, and mandating body camera requirements. Newman argues these measures would effectively halt interior enforcement without formally abolishing ICE.Few details are available about negotiations, with Congress out of session and the White House engaged in closed-door discussions directly with Democratic leadership. The episode examines whether the current strategy is strengthening enforcement opponents' leverage or creating political risk, particularly if a national emergency occurs during the shutdown.The discussion also explores potential Republican counter-demands (including a stop to sanctuary jurisdiction non-cooperation), internal party dynamics, the timing of the shutdown, and the sustainability of DHS operations if the shutdown persists too long.The program concludes with commentary from Mark Krikorian, who highlights recent reporting by Andrew Arthur detailing how nearly one million immigration court cases were administratively closed under the Biden administration — creating what he describes as a “legal dark hole” that shielded removable aliens from enforcement and functioned as a de facto amnesty.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestGrant Newman is Director of Government Relations for the Immigration Accountability ProjectRelatedImmigration Accountability ProjectIAP ActionThe DHS Shutdown: A Reckless Gamble Verging on MadnessDOJ Reveals that Biden Granted a Quiet Amnesty to Nearly One Million AliensIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A recent Capitol Hill policy briefing sponsored by the Center for Immigration Studies and the Ben Franklin Fellowship examined the long-term security implications of the Biden administration's Afghan evacuation program. Excerpts from the event are featured in this week's episode of Parsing Immigration Policy, titled “Stopping the Next Afghan Terrorist Attack: Mitigating the Vetting Failures, Fraud, and Corruption of the Biden-Era Evacuation Program.”Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), a member of the House Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Border Security Caucus, opened the discussion by warning that the Biden-era “Operation Allies Welcome” for Afghan nationals evolved into “an unmanageable and unsafe process.” He argued that safeguards became optional and that statutory vetting standards were weakened. “We're not abandoning allies,” Biggs said. “We're importing unvetted migrants. And the only promise we were breaking was our oath to keep American citizens safe and protect our borders and our people.” He emphasized that security vetting protects both Americans and the integrity of legitimate humanitarian programs.Andrew Veprek, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), detailed how the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program had expanded far beyond the original SIV statutory framework. He noted that while the traditional SIV category required 15 years of faithful service and chief-of-mission approval, the Afghan program extensively broadened eligibility and reduced verification standards, gutting statutory requirements. There are still roughly 120,000 principal applicants still in the SIV pipeline (not including family members, which could quintuple the total). President Trump has put a hold on these.James Rogers, a former Foreign Service officer and whistleblower, described systemic pressure for rapid visa processing and adjudication. He cited widespread document irregularities and estimated substantial fraud, potentially higher than 75%, within the applicant pool. Rogers called for structural whistleblower protections and reforms to separate investigative and defensive functions within the employee grievance process.Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director and podcast host, concludes the podcast discussion by highlighting a recent development in Afghanistan that complicates U.S. policy even further: the Taliban's recent issuance of a new penal code that formally recognizes slavery. Krikorian argues that Afghan nationals seeking entry to the U.S. can now claim they are fleeing slavery, triggering asylum grants despite the impossibility of meaningful vetting. He advocates eliminating defensive asylum claims and instead transferring applicants to safe third countries willing to accept them.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestsRep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Border Security CaucusAndrew Veprek is the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM)James Rogers, is a former Foreign Service officer and whistleblowerRelatedThe Ben Franklin FellowshipIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The Center's latest podcast episode features Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discussing how Florida has become the gold standard on immigration enforcement.Gov. DeSantis explains why Florida has avoided the unrest seen in Los Angeles and Minneapolis, pointing to strong state laws and cooperation with federal authorities.Key highlights:Mandatory Cooperation with ICE: During a special legislative session following President Trump's election, Florida enacted a law requiring all state and local officials to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Officials who refuse can be suspended from office. Sanctuary policies are banned statewide.287(g) Agreements: All 67 Florida county sheriffs participate in 287(g) agreements, along with the majority of police agencies. Florida is the first state to require state agencies to enter such agreements, enabling full task-force, street-level cooperation with ICE.More than 20,000 apprehensions have resulted from state and local cooperation.State-Run Detention Capacity: Florida operates a state-owned detention and processing facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” to address federal detention shortages. An immigration judge adjudicates cases onsite, and DHS conducts removals directly from the facility's airstrip.A second “Deportation Depot” in northern Florida supports removals.DHS provides full federal reimbursement.Provides an update on legal challenges.Interior Enforcement Measures:Mandatory E-Verify for public employers and private employers with 25+ workers.No driver's licenses or local photo IDs (by government agencies or NGOs) for illegal immigrants.English-only commercial driver's license testing.State election crimes unit to prosecute illegal voting.Maritime Enforcement: Through Operation Vigilant Sentry, Florida interdicts migrants at sea and hands them over to the Coast Guard for return to their home countries.In his closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, executive director and podcast host, highlights a new Center report finding that 53% of immigrant-headed households, legal and illegal together, use at least one welfare program. He points out that most immigrants work, but because they have low levels of education, they earn low wages and thus rely on taxpayer-funded support. Reducing future dependence requires selecting legal immigrants based on skills and enforcing laws against illegal immigration.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestFlorida Governor Ron DeSantisRelatedWelfare Use by Immigrants and the U.S.-Born, 2024Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new episode of the Center for Immigration Studies podcast examines the U visa program, originally created by Congress in 2000 under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and explains how a narrowly tailored law-enforcement tool has evolved into a large-scale immigration benefit program, riddled with fraud and abuse.The U visa was designed to help law enforcement agencies detect, investigate, and prosecute crimes by offering legal status to unlawfully present victims of serious crimes who might otherwise be reluctant to have contact with authorities, in exchange for their cooperation. Congress capped the program at 10,000 visas annually, excluding family members.Key findings discussed in the episode include:The program has been overwhelmed, with roughly 250,000 pending applications from principal applicants and 150,000 more from family members – about 400,000 total cases.The surge is not driven by increased victimization, but by policy changes under the Biden administration that created incentives to apply regardless of merit.Under the Biden administration, applicants received work permits and protection from deportation upon filing an application, even before meaningful vetting or adjudication.USCIS officers were stripped of authority to place fraudulent applicants into deportation proceedings, eliminating consequences for false or frivolous filings.Evidence of abuse includes staged crimes, forged law-enforcement certifications, and an underground industry marketing the U visa as a means to a work permit.An internal USCIS study found that one-fifth of applicants were already in removal proceedings when they applied.Some sanctuary states, including California and Illinois, have leveraged the U visa as an amnesty tool, pressuring local law-enforcement agencies to certify applications.Recommendations include:Administrative actions to prioritize legitimate cases and reopen questionable approvals.Congressional reforms to restrict benefits before approval and tighten statutory eligibility.State and local standards for certification, centralized review, and increased oversight.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration StudiesRelatedThe U Visa ProgramTrump Sends His ‘Ace Reliever' Tom Homan to MinneapolisImmigration Newsmaker: A Conversation with ICE Deputy Director Tom HomanIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new episode of the Center for Immigration Studies podcast features Amanda Bartolotta, an investigative reporter for WorldNetDaily, for a detailed, evidence-based examination of abuses within the H-1B visa program and the powerful trade groups that profit from it.Drawing on firsthand experience in the tech sector, Bartolotta explains how certain IT staffing and outsourcing firms, often referred to as “body shops”, have built a business model around labor arbitrage, using temporary visa programs to displace U.S. workers while shifting jobs and intellectual capital overseas. The discussion focuses heavily on the ITServe Alliance, a trade organization representing hundreds of IT staffing firms that rely on H-1B, OPT, CPT, and related visa programs.Bartolotta explains how Bloomberg has documented exploitation of the H-1B lottery through multiple registrations for the same workers. She also outlines how ITServe openly promotes an integrated onshore-offshore labor pipeline, recruiting abroad while partnering with Indian state governments to expand offshore operations, all while lobbying U.S. policymakers as an “American job creator.”The episode also explores Bartolotta's personal experience working in tech, where she witnessed offshoring firsthand, raised civil rights concerns, and later became the subject of retaliation after filing complaints. Her reporting examines how visa dependency, restricted worker mobility, benching practices, and green card manipulation raise serious legal and ethical concerns.In the closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, the Center's executive director and podcast host, highlights how Virginia's new governor moved immediately to turn the state into a sanctuary jurisdiction, underscoring how quickly policy can be reversed when changes are not embedded in statute. He argues that this lesson applies at the federal level as well, and that the Trump administration must prioritize lasting legislative reforms if immigration policy is to endure beyond a single administration.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestAmanda Bartolotta is an investigative reporter for WorldNetDailyRelatedAmanda Bartolotta's Author PageForeign Influence and Lobbying Network HubAmericans Left Behind: IT Serve and the Big Business of Labor ArbitrageVisa Power, Political Influence and the Big Business of Labor ArbitrageIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new episode of Parsing Immigration Policy examines the controversy surrounding foreign truck drivers and the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). It also offers policy recommendations for the U.S. Department of Transportation and Congress to address safety and labor concerns in the trucking industry.The episode features Gord Magill, a third-generation truck driver and author of the forthcoming book End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers (March release). Drawing on decades of firsthand experience, Magill challenges the claim, frequently promoted by industry lobbyists, that the United States faces a shortage of truck drivers. Instead, he argues the real problem is driver retention due to low wages and undesirable working conditions.Key issues include:The rapid increase in non-domiciled CDLs, originally intended to address interstate residency issues but now widely abused;How a “driver shortage” narrative has been used to suppress wages and justify expanded pipelines of cheap foreign labor;States issuing CDLs through training centers that fail to meet federal safety and English-language proficiency standards;The rise of “chameleon” companies that evade accountability by dissolving and re-forming under new LLCs after repeated safety violations;The use of overseas-based trucking firms in the hiring of U.S. truckers;Trump-era enforcement efforts aimed at restoring safety on America's highways.In the closing commentary, Mark Krikorian, executive director and podcast host, flags a Center blog post on a recent New York Times interview in which President Trump again expressed his support for continued high levels of legal immigration. Krikorian points out that this is not new and that the president is not a restrictionist, but rather a transitional figure, paving the way for the next generation of Republican leaders who do support lower levels of overall immigration.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestGord Magill is a third-generation trucker and authorRelatedGord Magill's Substack, “Autonomous Truck(er)s”“I'm an American Trucker. Illegal Migrants Are Flooding My Industry.”Book due out in March: End of the Road: Inside the War on TruckersTakeaways and Analysis from Trump's Interview with the New York TimesIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new episode of the Center for Immigration Studies' podcast examines Venezuela, U.S. foreign policy, and the immigration consequences that follow intervention abroad. Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies, and George Fishman, senior legal fellow, discuss whether recent U.S. actions in Venezuela could reshape migration flows, and whether legal tools such as the Alien Enemies Act still apply now that Nicolas Maduro is no longer in power.The discussion follows years of record Venezuelan migration during the Biden-era border crisis, driven by economic collapse, political repression, and the Maduro regime's ties to transnational criminal and terrorist organizations. Vaughan draws on her recent analysis detailing Venezuela's role in actively creating an environment for Tren de Aragua and Hezbollah to expand their size and reach – including into the United States.The episode explores whether renewed U.S. pressure on Venezuela's leadership could improve conditions and reduce migration, while also raising questions about the future of more than 600,000 Venezuelans currently protected under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Fishman explains the statutory requirements of TPS, ongoing court challenges, and how changes in country conditions may affect future renewals, removals, and third-country deportations.Vaughan and Fishman also address asylum policy, including whether claims based on conditions tied to the former regime remain valid and the government's authority to revisit asylum grants if circumstances change.Finally, the episode assesses the continued relevance of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime statute that gives the president broad authority to detain and remove citizens of an enemy state. While Maduro may be gone, Fishman explains that indictments linking senior Venezuelan officials to state-backed criminal organizations raise unresolved questions about whether hostile activity persists.Mark Krikorian, executive director and podcast host, points out that U.S. foreign policy decisions often carry lasting immigration consequences, for better or worse. History shows that intervention abroad can reshape immigration patterns; the U.S. has a history of involvement overseas resulting in new large immigrant communities at home.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestsJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy at the Center for Immigration StudiesGeorge Fishman is the Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration StudiesRelatedRegime Change in Venezuela May Enhance U.S. SecurityCan We Have a Reckoning about Biden's Venezuelan Migrants Now?Intervention Leads to ImmigrationTrump Deploys the Alien Enemies Act Against Venezuela and Tren de AraguaCongressional Testimony: The Impacts of Temporary Protected StatusFederal Court Rejects DHS's Decision to Revoke TPS for VenezuelansIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

In a special year-end episode of Parsing Immigration Policy, Executive Director Mark Krikorian is joined by CIS Director of Policy Studies Jessica Vaughan and Fellow in Law and Policy Andrew Arthur for a comprehensive review of one of the most consequential years for U.S. immigration policy in modern history and a forecast of what to expect in 2026.The discussion examines a sweeping series of executive actions and reforms that dramatically reshaped border security, interior enforcement, and immigration programs. Among the most consequential developments: the resumption of border wall construction; reinvigoration of the Remain in Mexico program; limits on asylum claims by illegal entrants; expanded military support at the border; and a renewed emphasis on interior enforcement.Perhaps most significant for the long term, the panel notes, was the passage of the Laken Riley Act – landmark legislation enacted in direct response to illegal alien crime, widespread detention failures, and mass parole abuse under the Biden administration. Unlike executive orders, the act can't simply be undone by a future administration and is expected to shape immigration enforcement for years to come.The episode revisits predictions made last year and looks ahead to 2026 with forecasts including:A heavier emphasis on worksite enforcement.Kilmar Abrego Garcia will be removed to a country in the Western Hemisphere.Expanded fraud investigations by USCIS across visa and asylum programs.President Trump will withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. refugee treaty.Push for legalization of mixed-status families.A major no-match letter initiative.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy at the Center for Immigration StudiesAndrew Arthur is the Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration StudiesIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

A new Center for Immigration Studies podcast episode examines the real-world consequences of immigration and public safety policies through the story of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old college student killed by an illegal alien in a DUI hit-and-run crash in the sanctuary state of Illinois.Guest host Marguerite Telford, the Center's Director of Communications, speaks with Joe Abraham, Katie's father, about the night his daughter and another young woman were killed when an illegal alien driving at nearly 80 miles per hour struck their car while it was stopped at a traffic light. Three additional young women were seriously injured. The driver fled the scene and was later apprehended in Texas while attempting to flee to Mexico.Abraham details how the suspect had previously been deported, returned illegally in 2022, and was living under an alias using false identification. He recently accepted a plea offer of 30 years and now faces federal prosecution for passport misuse, false statements, identity fraud, falsification of a Social Security card, and related offenses. “This was never political for us,” Abraham says. “But policies matter. Leadership matters. And common-sense enforcement could save lives.”Discussion topics include:Sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety.How an illiterate illegal alien obtained a driver's license without receiving any vetting.The role of prevention – through enforcement and screening – rather than reacting after crimes occur.The lack of engagement from state leaders and victim advocacy organizations, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).The human cost of immigration policies.The importance of the DHS VOICE Office in supporting victims and their families.HostMarguerite Telford is the Director of Communications at the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestJoe Abraham is the father of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old college student killed by an illegal alienRelatedAn illegal immigrant killed my daughter. Katie and Illinois are both getting justice Sanctuary policies failed my daughter and my state Joe Abraham: We all share my daughter Katie's legacy — and her death must still mean somethingIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's episode features Megan Basham, culture reporter for The Daily Wire and author of Shepherds for Sale: How evangelical leaders traded the truth for a leftist agenda, to discuss her reporting on how major philanthropic networks, political groups, and federal funding streams have shaped the policy positions of several large evangelical institutions on immigration issues such as open borders, refugee resettlement, and amnesties.Basham outlines how organizations like World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals and a federally funded refugee-resettlement contractor, have become influential voices within evangelical leadership. She discusses her findings on the financial and philanthropic support behind campaigns such as the Evangelical Immigration Table, which was created to push support behind left-wing causes, like open borders.In the episode, Basham walks through her reporting on efforts by political and foundation-backed groups to partner with major denominations, develop Bible-study curricula, and promote messaging on immigration within Christian colleges and ministries. She also describes the tension emerging between national-level leadership and many congregants, noting recent pushback inside denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention. The conversation broadens to examine why institutional leaders in multiple religious traditions – Protestant, Catholic, Mormon, and Jewish – often adopt policy positions that differ from the views of the people in the pews.The episode also looks at ongoing debates inside evangelical circles about mission work and refugee policy. Should churches be importing targets for witness instead of going where these people are to preach the gospel?HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestMegan Basham is the culture reporter for The Daily WireRelatedReligious NGO that Settled Afghan Shooter Condemned Trump for Additional Vetting OrderShepherds for Sale: How evangelical leaders traded the truth for a leftist agendaRaking in Hundreds of Millions for Trafficking Kids Destroys U.S. Catholic Bishops' Credibility on ImmigrationSomali Immigrants in MinnesotaMotor-Voter Law Often Lures Non-Citizens into Voting Illegally‘Operation Allies Welcome': Parole, Benefits, Vetting GapsIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's Parsing Immigration Policy podcast features another panel discussion from the third annual conference of the International Network for Immigration Research (INIR), convened recently in Washington. The three speakers each discuss various types of lawfare affecting the enforcement of immigration laws in the U.S. and European countries.Matt O'Brien, Deputy Executive Director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, explained how lawsuits and judicial interference have hampered the implementation of policy in the United States.Simon Hankinson, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, described how migrants' use and abuse of asylum courts has led to a never-ending flow into the United Kingdom.Viktor Marsai, Executive Director of the Budapest-based Migration Research Institute, delved into how rulings by the European Court of Human Rights have made it more difficult for European Union member states to protect their borders.In light of last week's attack on National Guard members by an Afghan national, Mark Krikorian concludes the episode with a summary of his recent National Review op-ed explaining the limitations of vetting and the need to adjust our immigration policies accordingly.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestMatt O'Brien is the Deputy Executive Director at the Federation for American Immigration ReformSimon Hankinson is a Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage FoundationViktor Marsai is the Executive Director of the Migration Research InstituteRelatedVideos of all the sessions of the recent INIR conferenceVetting in All the Wrong PlacesIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

Send us a textA microphone at the Capitol, survivors at the front, and a rare bipartisan agreement to force sunlight on a scandal many believed would stay buried. We walk through the House push to advance the Epstein Transparency Act, unpack the tactics that made a discharge petition work, and spotlight the survivors whose persistence moved Congress after years of delay. The energy is raw, and the demand is simple: release the files without loopholes, carve-outs, or procedural tricks.As the pressure built, something else cracked: the alliance between Donald Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene. For years, Greene played the role of Trump's unshakeable defender. But when the Epstein files returned to center stage, she called for full transparency, and the response was swift. We break down why that single stance triggered a freeze-out, how it reverberated across right-leaning media, and what it reveals about a movement that often prizes loyalty over law. The episode traces a familiar pattern—from Jeff Sessions to Bill Barr, from James Mattis to Mark Milley—showing how truth-telling or simple institutional duty repeatedly collides with personal allegiance.This isn't just political theater. It's a test of whether institutions like the DOJ, CIA, and federal courts will follow through when Congress acts. We connect the dots between survivor testimony, congressional mechanics, and the broader stakes for accountability, rule of law, and trust in government. If the names are released, will elites finally face consequences? If not, what does that say about power in America?Listen, share with someone who cares about accountability, and tell us where you stand on full disclosure. If this episode resonated, subscribe, leave a review, and help bring more listeners into the conversation. Support the show

In the latest episode of Parsing Immigration Policy, Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies, sits down with Mahvash Siddiqui, a U.S. Foreign Service officer, to discuss systemic fraud in the H-1B visa program. Speaking in her private capacity, Ms. Siddiqui shares firsthand experiences from her time as a consular officer in Chennai (Madras), India – one of the world's largest H-1B visa-processing posts – where U.S. officials adjudicated thousands of nonimmigrant visas, including 220,000 H-1Bs and 140,000 H-4 visas for their family members in 2024 alone.The episode highlights alarming patterns of fraud affecting the H-1B program, including forged degrees, falsified employment credentials, and the role of third-party staffing companies in bypassing the program's original rationale of admitting skilled workers to meet temporary shortages. While the Trump administration implemented changes aimed at reorienting the program toward more qualified applicants, Siddiqui emphasizes that widespread political pressure and a very effective Indian lobby here in the U.S. have often undermined quality control.The conversation provides insight into the challenges faced by consular officers attempting to curb visa fraud, including under-resourcing, bureaucratic obstacles, and pressure from both local and foreign political actors. The episode concludes with a discussion of potential reforms to ensure the program serves its intended purpose.Videos of the full conference will be posted in the near future.HostJessica Vaughan is the Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration StudiesGuestMahvash Siddiqui is a U.S. Foreign Service Officer.RelatedThe H-1B Invasion: Why the U.S. Must Act to Protect American Jobs, Security, and ProsperityH-1B: End It, Don't Mend ItU.S. Chamber of Commerce: On Second Thought, H-1B Isn't for the 'Best and Brightest' After AllDHS Proposes to Reform the H-1B Selection Process to Favor Higher Paid WorkersIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's episode of the Center for Immigration Studies' Parsing Immigration Policy podcast features Jennie Taer, reporter for The Daily Wire, discussing how illegal immigrants are obtaining non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) – leading to tragic consequences on America's roads.Highlights:Fatal consequences: A string of deadly crashes involving illegal immigrant has drawn attention to the risks posed by non-domiciled CDLs.Licensing loophole: Non-domiciled CDLs, created in 2019 for legitimate cross-state work, have been exploited by illegal immigrants and created a cheap labor alternative for trucking companies facing labor shortages.Work permit abuse: The Biden administration's mass issuance of work permits to asylum applicants – without legal authorization to be here – allows states like California to grant CDLs to ineligible drivers.Lack of enforcement: Many illegal-alien truck drivers arrested did not speak English – despite a federal law requiring road testing be done in English to obtain a CDL.Private school loophole: Private schools in California have been certifying unqualified drivers, with limited state oversight.Legal showdown: Florida is suing California over its licensing practices after an illegal immigrant truck driver killed three residents.Federal response: The Trump has ordered California to reform its licensing policies within 30 days or risk losing $160 million in federal highway funds.ICE enforcement: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased roadside checks and weigh-station operations, with several states cooperating to curb illegal driving activity.Broader implications: When states hand out CDLs to illegal immigrants, every state becomes a border state.In this week's commentary, Mark Krikorian notes that today marks the anniversary of President Reagan signing the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted amnesty to nearly three million illegal immigrants and made it unlawful to employ them. Billed as a “grand bargain,” it promised enforcement in exchange for legalization – but that promise was never kept, poisoning immigration politics to this day. The enduring lesson, as Mark Krikorian notes, is: real enforcement and system integrity must come before any talk of amnesty.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestJennie Taer is a reporter for The Daily Wire.RelatedJennie Taer Author PageHow Illegal Immigrant Truck Drivers Ended Up on America's RoadsICE Nabs Over 120 Illegal Immigrant Drivers After Probe Exposes Major Loophole Found in Texas DMVIllegal-Immigrant Trucker ‘No Name Given' Mocks US Law — and Puts Us in Grave DangerIllegal Immigrant Trucker Reveals Grave DangerBefore Considering Another Amnesty, Look at IRCA's LessonsIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week on Parsing Immigration Policy, Simon Hankinson, Senior Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, discusses his new book, The Ten Woke Commandments You Must Not Obey. Two of the book's chapters focus on immigration: “You Shall Have No Borders” and “You Shall Have No Nation.”In the episode, Hankinson explains why the idea of the nation-state is fundamental to civilization and how the erosion of borders threatens both prosperity and safety. He argues that:The open border movement is both ideological and political – a tool to expand government dependency and reshape the electorate.A democracy cannot survive without defined borders; “If you don't have a country to defend, nothing else matters.”Birthright citizenship and “birth tourism” weaken the meaning of national allegiance and civic responsibility.Drawing on his years as a U.S. diplomat in India, Ghana, Fiji, Togo, and Slovakia, Hankinson shares how his first-hand experience with visa processing opened his eyes to migration patterns and visa fraud, shaping his perspective on U.S. immigration policy.He also reflects on how free speech, civic duty, and national loyalty intersect in a society increasingly pressured to conform to ideological orthodoxies. (Upcoming Event: Hankinson and Krikorian will join a November 19 Heritage Foundation panel on the H-1B visa program, exploring how it has shifted from filling national needs to displacing American workers, and how it can be reformed.)In his closing commentary, Krikorian notes two developments that mark the end of the Biden Border Crisis. First, of course, is the dramatic drop in apprehension numbers. Despite a small uptick in Southwest border arrests in September, the newly released Fiscal Year 2025 total was the lowest in generations. Equally important, though, is the fact that the (much smaller) migrant flow has reverted to traditional patterns – mainly Mexicans, with a few Central Americans – marking an end to the globalized flow from nearly every country on earth in response to Biden administration policies.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestSimon Hankinson is a Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation.RelatedSimon Hankinson Bio and PublicationsThe Ten Woke Commandments You Must Not ObeyDespite Uptick in September, FY25 Border Arrests Were the Lowest in GenerationsMigrant Flow Returns to Traditional Demographic Patterns under Trump IIIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week on Parsing Immigration Policy, Jessica Vaughan, the Center's Director of Policy, unpacks the ongoing tension in Chicago, as federal and local law enforcement agencies continue to clash over illegal immigration and crime.The Trump administration launched Operation “Midway Blitz” in September, sending ICE, Border Patrol, and other federal agents into the Chicago area in an effort to enforce immigration laws where state and local jurisdictions refuse to cooperate. Just back from Illinois, where she met with officers from across the state, Vaughan explains that they recognize the safety implications of unlimited illegal immigration and want to help federal authorities, but sanctuary policies from the city, county, and state tie their hands.Vaughan highlights growing crime concerns in Chicago — a clear example, she says, of the public safety crisis created by the Biden administration's open-border policies. For years, American and transnational gangs alike have taken advantage of the lack of interior enforcement, which is how Cook County became home to nearly 370,000 illegal immigrants, including criminals and violent gangs.Today, federal pressure is finally squeezing criminal networks, but it's making them more violent. With arrests in the Chicago area doubling under the Trump administration and doubling again during Operation Midway Blitz, ICE has taken roughly 3,000 illegal immigrants off the streets, many with criminal records. In response, some transnational gangs are lashing out and turning violent against federal officers threatening their operations.This week's episode is a deep dive into Chicago, but it's not an isolated example — it's a case study in what happens when politics blocks public safety. The same challenges are unfolding in other sanctuary cities across the country, like Los Angeles and Portland, Ore.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestJessica Vaughan the Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies.RelatedEnabled by a Federal Judge, Chicago-Area Mayors Seek to Shut Down Immigration Law EnforcementUnderstanding Pritzker's Dangerous Immigration GameImmigration Newsmaker Video: A Conversation with U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael BanksIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's Parsing Immigration Policy podcast features expert analysis of two major immigration actions recently announced by President Trump: a new $100,000 entry fee for H-1B visa-holders and the creation of a “Gold Card”.The discussion, recorded live at a recent CIS event, features George Fishman, senior legal fellow, and Elizabeth Jacobs, director of regulatory affairs and policy.The H-1B Visa Proclamation imposes a one-time $100,000 entry fee on foreign workers applying for H-1B visas – ostensibly temporary visas originally intended for “the best and the brightest”. Jacobs examines the new policy's goal of closing loopholes that allow employers to displace American workers and depress wages and outlines additional suggestions for closing other loopholes.The Gold Card Program, established by executive order, offers lawful permanent residence to foreign nationals who contribute $1 million – or $2 million through an employer – to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Fishman explains that while the program was designed to expedite legal entry for investors, many approved recipients will still face long waits for green cards due to caps and per-country limits, especially for nationals of India and the People's Republic of China. The program, he notes, also raises several legal questions.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestGeorge Fishman is Senior Legal Fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies.Elizabeth Jacobs is the Director of Regulatory Affairs at the Center for Immigration StudiesRelatedHow The Trump Administration Can Strengthen Its New H-1B ReformsDHS Proposes Reform to H-1B Selection Process President Trump Establishes Gold Immigration Card, Announces $100,000 H-1B Entry FeePresident Trump's Gold CardPresident Trump's Gold Card Needs to Pass Through Congress's Golden Gate . . . or Does It?Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's Parsing Immigration Policy podcast examines the Trump administration's initiative to temporarily detail military lawyers -- Judge Advocates General (JAGs) -- to serve as temporary immigration judges, with the first group beginning training this week.Host Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, is joined by Andrew Arthur, the Center's fellow in law and policy and a former immigration judge, to discuss the legal, practical, and political implications of the move.Key points include:The U.S. immigration court system currently has about 650 permanent judges; the addition of 100 JAGs as temporary judges could significantly expand capacity, with the administration aiming to add hundreds more.The Department of Justice has had mechanisms since 2014 to appoint temporary immigration judges.Most JAGs lack immigration law experience, but Arthur notes that immigration courts often focus on determinations of removability and eligibility for relief -- areas where experienced litigators can adapt quickly.New judges receive a week of formal training and two weeks of supervised hearings, similar to what Arthur himself received.The episode also addresses the multiple due process safeguards, the backlog impact, and whether the move raises concerns under the Posse Comitatus Act.In his closing commentary, Krikorian discusses the government shutdown and the debate over healthcare for illegal immigrants, referencing a recent CIS blog post by Jason Richwine, “Of Course Illegal Immigrants Access Public Health Benefits”. He notes that the budget dispute is real but distracts from a broader truth: Illegal immigrants access public health programs through multiple channels, benefits that will continue regardless of how the shutdown is resolved.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestAndrew Arthur is a Fellow in Law and Policy at the Center for Immigration Studies.RelatedPentagon to Send 600 Lawyers to Serve as Temporary Immigration JudgesOf Course Illegal Immigrants Access Public Health BenefitsIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

This week's episode of Parsing Immigration Policy features Katie Lam, Conservative Member of Parliament for Weald of Kent and a Shadow Home Office Minister, who brings a British perspective on the pressing issue of immigration.Since 1974, the UK's immigration system has been marked by broken promises to the voters and rising numbers – despite repeated pledges to reduce migration. Net migration has averaged 100,000+ annually since 1977, peaking at more than 900,000 in 2023, creating profound economic, cultural, and practical challenges.In a conversation with Mark Krikorian, the Center's Executive Director, Lam argues that both legal and illegal migration must be tackled head-on:Legal MigrationCurrent system brings in too many people and is insufficiently selective.Health & Social Care visa was projected to bring in 6,000 entrants – but saw 600,000 arrivals, many not working in the sector.Consequence: artificially low wages, huge costs to taxpayers in part due to long-term settlement rights that provide welfare, housing, and full healthcare.Solution: cut and cap numbers, set clear criteria.Illegal MigrationOver 30,000 illegal Channel crossings so far this year – the 2025 number will be a record high.Criminal gangs drive the crossings, costing taxpayers 52,000 pounds per person annually – before even receiving asylum – in housing, food, clothing, and spending money.Lam supports the Rwanda plan – a third-country asylum model to deter unlawful entry.She also raises concerns about judicial overreach, international treaties, and the erosion of parliamentary authority in controlling borders. Lam makes the case for a reformed Conservative Party to deliver consistent, specific, and enforceable immigration policies – restoring trust with voters and winning in the future election.In today's commentary, Mark Krikorian notes the role that taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens plays in the current government shutdown debate and observes that the only major immigration function that stops during a shutdown is E-Verify.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestKatie Lamm is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Weald of Kent and a Shadow Home Office Minister.Intro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The latest episode of the Parsing Immigration Policy podcast features the audio of a recent sit-down between Executive Director Mark Krikorian and Michael Banks, Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. During an in-depth discussion, Chief Banks touched on the current state of border security, including apprehension numbers, maritime illegal immigration, northern border challenges, gotaways, recruitment efforts, the role of the National Guard, and more.Appointed to lead the agency earlier this year, Banks is a former Border Patrol agent with more than 30 years of federal law enforcement and border security experience. His tenure comes at a critical time, as heightened immigration policy debates dominate the national conversation.HostMark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestMichael Banks is the Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol.RelatedPanel Press ReleasePanel VideoC-Span CoverageCIS Live StreamPanel TranscriptIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

The latest episode of the Parsing Immigration Policy podcast features the audio of a recent sit-down between Executive Director Mark Krikorian and Joseph Edlow, the newly confirmed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In a wide-ranging discussion, Edlow laid out his priorities for the agency — from strengthening fraud detection to reforming visa programs and restoring integrity to the naturalization process.On expanding investigative capacity, Edlow said:"When you're adjudicating a green card or a naturalization, that's a law enforcement action...But this is not a police force. What we are looking at incorporating into USCIS is an investigative agency…to really do a deep dive into immigration fraud, national security issues, and other criminality within the agency's jurisdiction."Other highlights include:H-1B visas: “If properly monitored and scrutinized for integrity, H-1B can be a useful tool. But my big concern is the way it keeps U.S. citizens out of the job market, especially recent STEM graduates.”Vetting standards: “We want to know everything about these individuals… Anti-American activities at a certain level are not going to be tolerated.”Naturalization: “Frankly, this test is just too easy. We need to make it more thought-provoking to ensure new citizens have a real attachment to the Constitution.”Temporary Protected Status: “For the first time in a very long time we are not seeing pro-forma renewals...We are looking at all cases and the reasons for the designations, and making a determination based both on whether those conditions still apply … and looking at, again, the foreign policy considerations.”Edlow also addressed:Decades of “profligate” work permit issuance to people whose status doesn't include work authorization and the end of automatic Social Security number approvals.Parole and DACA, calling DACA a “real legal problem” likely requiring congressional resolution.Legislative priorities, including eliminating the Diversity Visa lottery and fixing visa allocations.Expanding Systematic Alien Verification Enterprise (SAVE) access for states to verify voter eligibility, which he called potentially “a gamechanger.”Renewed denaturalization efforts and stronger fraud detection across USCIS.Host Mark Krikorian is the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies.GuestJoseph Edlow is the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.RelatedPanel Press ReleasePanel VideoC-Span CoverageCIS Live StreamPanel TranscriptIntro MontageVoices in the opening montage:Sen. Barack Obama at a 2005 press conference.Sen. John McCain in a 2010 election ad.President Lyndon Johnson, upon signing the 1965 Immigration Act.Booker T. Washington, reading in 1908 from his 1895 Atlanta Exposition speech.Laraine Newman as a "Conehead" on SNL in 1977.Hillary Clinton in a 2003 radio interview.Cesar Chavez in a 1974 interview.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaking to reporters in 2019.Prof. George Borjas in a 2016 C-SPAN appearance.Sen. Jeff Sessions in 2008 comments on the Senate floor.Candidate Trump in 2015 campaign speech.Charlton Heston in "Planet of the Apes".

JB White returns with a candid episode mixing personal updates, tech struggles, and sharp political reflections. Broadcasting from Tallahassee ahead of his upcoming hip replacement, he riffs on Trump's authority over agencies like the FBI and Federal Reserve, the fraud of Biden's “81 million votes,” and the ongoing lawfare designed to stall Trump's agenda. The centerpiece is Joe Lang's recent analysis tying together drops, Jeff Sessions, and Trump's Sun Tzu–style battle plan. JB argues that Sessions, Trey Gowdy, and Bob Goodlatte may have been playing assigned roles in a long game of counterintelligence, urging listeners not to dismiss their contributions. He frames Trump as a true wartime president, waging an internal conflict that mirrors the strategies of the Green Berets. The show closes with reflections on Bitcoin, Trump's embrace of crypto, and why the U.S. entrepreneurial spirit ensures both the dollar and digital currencies will shape the future. Raw, personal, and insightful, this episode blends Badlands grit with JB's trademark Southern candor.

“I told you so starts here” Over the past 200 days (the first 200 of the second Trump term) many details have come to light that confirmed things that for years had been dismissed as “conspiracy theories.” Just this week, details that show that the FBI, under Trump's own AG, Jeff Sessions, had whistleblower testimony that they failed to follow up on regarding classified document leaks from then-Congressman Adam Schiff that were leaked to trigger embarrassing investigations into the President in time to impact the 2018 mid-term elections. Also this week, the Capitol Police Chief finally spoke out and confirmed that the President had asked for the National Guard be deployed to the Capitol building on January third. Three days before the deadly riots. Stories like this come from courageous independent investigative reporters like John Soloman at ‘justthenews.com' our guest, Walter Curt of ‘WCdispatch.com' who shares with us two stories. The first is of two teenage girls who allege that they were taken to get abortions by Fairfax County school officials without alerting their parents. Just now, we are learning that Governor Youngkin has announced that he is “directing the Virginia State police bureau of criminal investigation to open a full criminal investigation.” The second regards a group of former US intelligence officers that call themselves “the Steady State” who have endorsed their former co-worker in the intelligence field, Abigail Spanberger, for Virginia Governor. Keep Up With The Daily Signal   Sign up for our email newsletters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     Subscribe to our other shows:    The Tony Kinnett Cast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AFk8xjiOOBEynVg3JiN6g  The Signal Sitdown: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2026390376   Problematic Women:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL7765680741   Victor Davis Hanson: https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327   Follow The Daily Signal:    X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Truth Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas Democratic House Members' boycott leads to Texas House of Representatives failing for a second day in a row to establish a quorum blocking Republicans from passing their Congressional districting plan; President Donald Trump says an interview Republicans are “entitled to five more seats” in Texas and that states which voted Democratic in national elections are already gerrymandered to favor that party; House Oversight Committee subpoenas the Justice Dept for complete files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and subpoenas for depositions in this investigation a dozen former officeholders, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Merrick Garland, James Comey, Robert Mueller, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Bill Barr and Eric Holder; President Trump looks to sign an Executive Order to penalize big banks that turn away customers for political reasons. President claims he was debanked by Bank of America and JP Morgan Chase; President rules out naming Treasury Sec Scott Bessent as the next Fed Chair; Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announces a propose rule to spur the development of commercial delivery drones; United Nations Security Council holds a meeting on the war between Israel & Hamas, after reports Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deciding whether to move forward with a plan for Israel to take all of Gaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On August 5, 2025, the House Oversight Committee, chaired by Republican Congressman James Comer, issued subpoenas to Bill and Hillary Clinton in connection with the ongoing investigation into the federal government's handling of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. Bill Clinton is scheduled to be deposed on October 14, and Hillary Clinton on October 9, as part of a broader inquiry into how Epstein evaded meaningful accountability for decades. The committee also demanded that the Department of Justice produce all unredacted records related to Epstein by August 19, signaling a new phase of congressional scrutiny aimed at determining whether political or prosecutorial favoritism played a role in shielding powerful individuals. Though neither Clinton has been formally accused of criminal wrongdoing, their longstanding personal and professional proximity to Epstein—documented through flight logs, photographs, and shared social circles—has placed them at the center of growing public skepticism.The subpoenas did not stop with the Clintons. The committee has also called on a range of former senior officials to testify, including former FBI Directors James Comey and Robert Mueller, and former Attorneys General Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Jeff Sessions, William Barr, Merrick Garland, and Alberto Gonzales. The committee is specifically focused on uncovering why Epstein received such a lenient non-prosecution agreement in 2007, why federal oversight of his post-conviction status was so lax, and whether any interference occurred in subsequent investigations. Critics have noted the glaring omission of Donald Trump—himself photographed with Epstein and present at multiple known events—but the committee has remained silent on whether additional subpoenas are forthcoming. Regardless, the move marks the first time the Clintons have been formally compelled to speak under oath about Epstein, and it reflects growing bipartisan frustration with how long justice has been delayed in this case.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Bill and Hillary Clinton, former AGs and FBI directors subpoenaed for Jeffrey Epstein testimony

On this episode of "Stinchfield", we demand accountability—not just from the deep state operatives and Democrat liars who peddled the Russian collusion hoax, but from those inside President Trump’s own first administration who stayed silent while the coup unfolded. Why didn’t CIA Director Mike Pompeo release the exculpatory evidence when it could have mattered most? Why did Attorney General Jeff Sessions cower and recuse himself, opening the door for the witch hunt? We expose how these so-called allies ultimately betrayed the America First movement. Go to http://freegoldguide.com/grant or call 800 458 7356 for your free Colonial Metals Group retirement protection kit – created specifically for our listeners where you can get up to $7500 in free Silver. www.EnergizedHealth.com/Grant www.PatriotMobile.com/Grantwww.Get20Now.comTWC.Health/Grant Use "Grant" for 10% Off See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A House panel votes to subpoena Bill and Hillary Clinton and several former top Justice Department officials – ex-FBI Director James Comey, one-time special counsel Robert Mueller and former attorneys general Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder, Merrick Garland, Bill Barr, Jeff Sessions and Alberto Gonzales – for alleged links to convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. DNI Tulsi Gabbard drops the news that she has criminally referred former President Barack Obama to the DOJ for concocting the Russia collusion scam to subvert the American electorate. The media runs interference.