Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Tony-nominated producer who came to the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant in 1993. His personal experience and professional background provide a unique and informed perspective on immigration issues.
Governor Newsom's special session aims to prepare California for potential changes in federal immigration policy, considering the state's high immigrant population, which constitutes a third of its residents.
Vargas argues that undocumented individuals are less likely to commit crimes because they aim to stay under the radar and avoid any actions that might draw attention and jeopardize their status.
Vargas notes a disconnect where some Latino voters support Trump despite his harsh immigration policies, possibly due to a narrative that focuses on keeping criminals out, which overshadows the reality that undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes.
Vargas highlights that discussions about immigrants often center on their labor, whether high-skilled or low-skilled, rather than the individuals themselves. This implies a preference for the economic contributions of immigrants without a corresponding acceptance of them as full members of society.
Jose Antonio Vargas is the author of best-selling book "Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen" and is an undocumented citizen himself living here in America. But for Jose, his most important identifier is as "journalist." Jose is here to discuss the upcoming changes to America's immigration policy, the fear undocumented folks feel with another Trump presidency approaching, Stephen Miller's rhetoric against undocumented citizens, why no one can truly be "illegal," and why America historically wants undocumented labor but not the actual people.
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