Intersections with Dr. Russell

In this episode, Jason Hong, a former undocumented immigrant and DACA recipient, shares the story behind one of the most difficult decisions of his life: leaving the United States, the only home he had ever known, to start over in Madrid, Spain. Jason's journey illuminates what it feels like to live under the constant uncertainty of immigration status, and what it takes to choose self-determinatio...

This month marks 14 years since President Obama announced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and in this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ariana Aparicio to reflect on what those 14 years have meant, and what they have not yet delivered. Dr. Aparicio is a higher education scholar, advocate, and DACA recipient whose story, from crossing the border at ten years old to earning a PhD from UC Riversid...

This episode features an enlightening dialogue centered around the immigrant experience in the United States, particularly through the poignant narrative of Daniela Rodriguez, a DACA recipient and co-founder of Migrant Equity Southeast. Daniela recounts her journey from Chiapas, Mexico, to Brunswick, Georgia, at the tender age of thirteen, highlighting the drastic cultural and social transition sh...

In this episode, Dr. Jamshid addresses the economic ramifications of policies such as ICE raids and deportations but also underscores the human cost these measures impose on families and communities. Takeaways: Healthcare and housing are fundamental human rights that must be recognized and upheld. Integration of marginalized communities requires a humanistic approach to reduce barriers. Undocument...

In this episode, I am joined by two of my longest standing friends. We discuss friendship, proximity, Blackness, and immigration. My guests, Anise Ross and Melanie Lebby, have been close friends of mine since middle school, and together we explore how our diverse backgrounds have shaped the way we understand and talk about immigration. This episode is a reminder of the vital role that personal con...

The conversation presented in this podcast episode centers on the pressing issue of Plyler v. Doe, a landmark Supreme Court decision that guarantees undocumented children the right to free public education. This episode not only highlights the legislative challenges faced by immigrant children but also calls for a unified response from educators, advocates, and community members to ensure that eve...

In this episode, Indira discusses the intersectionality between immigration policy and healthcare access, emphasizing that these issues are inextricably linked. Indira highlights how the experiences of undocumented individuals significantly impact their ability to seek necessary medical care, often resulting in dire consequences for both personal and public health. We explore the critical role of...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Escudero, Associate Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University and co-founder of the Migration Studies Initiative, to talk about coalition building, visibility, and what higher education owes its undocumented students right now. We get into his groundbreaking research on how undocumented Asian and Latinx activists used intersecti...

In this episode, President Paul Pribbenow discuss the immigration enforcement actions on Augsburg's campus. We delve into the broader implications of such enforcement actions, underscoring the imperative for leaders in higher education to advocate for the safety and well-being of their communities. Ultimately, this episode serves as a clarion call for solidarity, resilience, and proactive engageme...

In this episode, Dr. Zeke Hernandez presents a robust argument for the positive impact of immigration on economic prosperity. He delineates five critical contributions that immigrants bring to society: investment, innovation, talent, consumption, and tax revenue. This framework underscores the idea that immigrants are not merely passive participants in the economy; rather, they are catalysts for g...

Season 2 kicks off with Reverend Lamont Wells calling on faith communities, especially those with immigrant histories to take a compassionate stance toward all immigrants today. Drawing on personal testimony and theological principles, Rev. Wells challenges listeners to confront systemic injustices in immigration policy and to foster support and solidarity for immigrant families. He emphasizes tha...

Welcome to season 2. Season two emerges as a crucial response to the ongoing demand for dialogues that transcend superficial narratives, emphasizing the importance of truth, inclusivity, and actionable insights. Discussions will encompass diverse perspectives, including those of undocumented individuals, community leaders, and faith advocates, thereby broadening the scope of representation within...

This final episode of season one of Intersections serves as both a reflective culmination of our journey and a call for continued advocacy in the realm of immigration. Takeaways: This podcast season provided 23 episodes focusing on immigration and the diverse narratives surrounding it. Throughout the season, we engaged with various guests, including dreamers and college presidents, discussing thei...

In this episode, Dr. Perez shares insights from his personal journey as an immigrant from El Salvador and discusses the pivotal role of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act in shaping the lives of many immigrants, including his own family. We delve into California's AB540 model, which provides in-state tuition for undocumented students, while also addressing the challenges faced by deported...

This episode delves into the profound impact of grief on individuals and communities, particularly in the context of immigration and mental health. Dr. Ayli articulates the pervasive nature of grief, which, as she asserts, spans across personal, relational, and societal levels, especially in these tumultuous times. We engage in a meaningful dialogue about the significance of acknowledging both the...

Our guest, Vanessa Frank, an esteemed immigration attorney, articulates her experiences and aspirations as she embarks on launching Mariposa, a nonprofit dedicated to training and accrediting representatives to expand legal support for immigrants. This episode delves into the crucial theme of accessibility in immigration services. Takeaways: At Swap Meet Justice, they provide immediate assistance...

In this episode, Dr. Ammanuel Gebru, the President of Los Angeles City College, articulates the pressing challenges faced by immigrant and undocumented students within the educational landscape. The episode delves into the profound impact of immigration policies on these students, highlighting significant declines in enrollment due to fears surrounding ICE presence on campuses. Dr. Gebru emphasize...

This episode features a conversation with Kenneth Jones, senior vice president of the MacArthur Foundation, about the pivotal role of philanthropy in addressing the challenges faced by immigrant communities. He emphasizes the necessity of a collective approach within the philanthropic sector to amplify impact and foster systemic change. We delve into the intricate dynamics of funding, exploring ho...

Takeaways: Dr. Morales highlights the importance of maintaining schools as safe havens for all students, reinforcing protocols to protect against unauthorized immigration enforcement on campus. The Ventura County Office of Education provides a resource hub to inform families about their rights, ensuring that the educational environment remains secure and welcoming. The episode emphasizes the signi...

In this episode, Dr. Rafael Martinez and I explore the historical context of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), revealing how its establishment has shaped contemporary immigration policy and perception. Takeaways: The pervasive fear instilled by ICE has led to a distorted perception that it has always existed, which reflects on the historical nature of immigration enforcement in t...

In this enlightening conversation with Dr. German Cadenas, we delve into the significance of training therapists to better serve immigrant populations. We explore the transformative power of community connection, as Dr. Cadenas shares his personal journey from being undocumented to advocating for immigrant rights and mental health equity. The episode further examines the concept of a sanctuary min...

Meet Yongbin Chang, a litigator and one of the first openly undocumented East Asian individuals in the U.S. In this powerful conversation, we explore his journey growing up undocumented, coming out publicly in college, and navigating the legal world after adjusting his status. His story challenges stereotypes, highlights the barriers to professional licensure, and underscores the importance of Asi...

The episode features a profound discussion with Julissa Arce, an esteemed author and cultural critic, who shares her remarkable journey from being an undocumented immigrant to achieving success on Wall Street and ultimately obtaining U.S. citizenship. Throughout the conversation, she delves into the implications of recent legislative changes in Texas regarding in-state tuition for undocumented stu...

The primary focus of this episode revolves around the impactful narrative of Bambajan Bamba, an Ivorian American actor and immigrant rights advocate, who courageously revealed his DACA status in 2017. In our conversation, we delve into the intricate intersections of media representation and immigration, highlighting the essential need for authentic immigrant voices. We explore Bamba's personal jou...

In this episode, Breanne and I explore the unique experiences of those navigating both Black American and Black immigrant identities, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity in the ongoing struggle for justice. Furthermore, we delve into the historical connections between these communities, underscoring that liberation is a collective endeavor. Takeaways: The liberation of Black individuals in the...