Intersections with Dr. Russell

This episode features an in-depth dialogue with Gabby Pacheco, a prominent advocate for immigrant rights, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. Pacheco recounts her remarkable journey from being undocumented to becoming a U.S. citizen in 2023, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. The conversation pro...

The central theme of this episode revolves around the concept of allyship, particularly in the context of immigration. I am joined by my friends who share their insights on what it truly means to be an ally to undocumented individuals. We explore the importance of empathy, understanding, and the necessity of creating psychologically safe spaces for dialogue around these pressing issues. Allyship i...

Takeaways: The African immigrant population in the United States has significantly increased, highlighting the need for engagement in immigration discussions. Understanding the differences between refugees, asylees, and H-1B holders is crucial for informed advocacy within immigrant communities. African Americans must recognize the interconnectedness of their experiences with those of African immig...

The central theme of this episode revolves around the imperative that college presidents should exercise resilience and lead with confidence in the face of contemporary challenges in higher education. Dr. Nunes emphasizes that this juncture is not merely a trial but a critical opportunity for educational leaders to embrace their vocation, thereby reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of justi...

In this episode, Dr. Perez shares her insights on the current political landscape affecting legal permanent residents and undocumented individuals. This episode emphasizes the vital contributions of immigrants to the American economy and the necessity of fostering a more inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Takeaways: The episode highlights the detrime...

In this episode, we delve into the profound narratives shared by Shawn and Susan Howie, as they recount their journey toward engaging with immigration issues, as a result of meeting Dr. Felecia Russell, when she was only 17 years old. Their experiences illuminate the necessity of providing assistance to newcomers, including immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, who often find themselves in pre...

In this episode, Alonso and I discussed the complexities surrounding the immigrant experience, particularly as it pertains to the DREAmer narrative, which delineates the dichotomy of the "good" versus "bad" immigrant. Alonso Reyna Riverola articulates his understanding of undocumented status while reflecting on the implications of the 1982 Supreme Court ruling, Plyler v. Doe, which granted undocum...

Takeaways: The experiences of Black immigrants in the United States are often exacerbated by systemic racism and immigration policies that disproportionately affect them. The growth of the Black immigrant population in the U.S. has increased from less than 1% in the 1980s to over 4.8% in 2019, indicating a demographic shift that must be acknowledged. Black immigrants face unique challenges within...

In this episode, Dr. Reyna sheds light on the pivotal role of immigrant-origin students in the realm of higher education and their substantial contributions to the broader U.S. economy. Dr. Reyna articulated his proactive engagement with local ICE enforcement, advocating for similar initiatives among educational institutions to foster a secure environment for all students. We delved into the impli...

Welcome to Intersections with Dr. Russell . Hi, that’s me, I’m Dr. Felecia Russell. I am an author, immigration scholar, former DACA-recipient and spent 21 years undocumented in America. Intersections is a bi-weekly podcast that tackles immigration through storytelling, data, and myth busting. With heightened focus on immigrants and immigration in the national landscape, I hope you will be li...