Immigration reform has become a political weapon in contemporary American politics over the last six years. Controversial policies such as zero tolerance and — most recently — thethird-country asylum rule have helped create a deep political divide throughout the country.
What role has the history of xenophobia played in the U.S. to exploit people who are undocumented? How has nationalism shaped modern politics?
Espousing populist beliefs has pushed for new shifts in leadership for governments around the world. In the FRONTLINE documentary “Zero Tolerance,” filmmaker Michael Kirk showcases the forces behind the current conservative movement that has created today’s political climate under the Trump administration.
While immigration is present of mind today, xenophobia is not a new occurrence. In her research, Erika Lee traces fear and hatred of immigrants back to the nation’s beginnings in the colonial era.
What is the future of public policy concerning immigration? How have migrants been affected by recent policy changes?
What other historic American political figures have used immigration fears to gain political support? As a nation of immigrants, what does this rhetoric and these policies imply about American culture?
FRONTLINE's "Zero Tolerance" airs Tuesday, October 22 at 10/9c on PBS and online at pbs.org/frontline
Guests:
- Michael Kirk, filmmaker for the new FRONTLINE documentary "Zero Tolerance"
- Erika Lee, director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota and author of the forthcoming book "America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States"
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet @TPRSource.
*This interview was recorded on Tuesday, October 22.
