The Human Cost of Immigration Policies in America

This curation examines the dehumanizing effects of U.S. immigration policies on individuals fleeing violence. Through various perspectives, it highlights the struggles of migrants and the systemic barriers they face. Readers will gain insight into the harsh realities of asylum seekers and the human stories behind the statistics.

1. Read
   Immigration policy of the United States · Wikipedia

   Explains the regulatory framework of U.S. immigration, detailing the roles of Congress and the Department of Homeland Security. It notes that federal policy governs both immigration and citizenship, shaping the experiences of millions.

2. Read
   

   The End of Asylum · Foreign Policy

   Argues that countries in the global north are increasingly closing their borders to asylum seekers, effectively ending the right to seek refuge. The article highlights that in 2020, only 29% of asylum applications in the U.S. were granted, reflecting a significant decline in protections.

3. Watch
   

   Child Migrants Journey To The United States | Which Way Home | Documentary Central · YouTube

   Follows a group of unaccompanied Central American children as they navigate dangerous terrain in Mexico, driven by desperation to reach the U.S. The documentary reveals that many of these children face threats from gangs and human traffickers during their journey.

4. Book
   

   American Dirt · Bookshop.org

   Chronicles the harrowing journey of Lydia and her son, who flee violence in Acapulco after her journalist husband is murdered. The novel illustrates the personal toll of drug cartel violence, emphasizing that over 30,000 people were killed in Mexico due to drug-related violence in 2019.

The selected pieces collectively illustrate the multifaceted impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations. Starting with an overview of U.S. immigration policy, the curation progresses to specific global trends, personal narratives, and visual documentation of the migrant experience. This journey culminates in a fictional narrative that humanizes the struggles faced by those fleeing violence, creating a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

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