Just Conversations | The Welcome Myth: Immigration and America’s Contradictions

The United States is facing an existential immigration moment. Deportations without due process. Military deployment at the border. Revoked humanitarian parole. Threats to Temporary Protected Status. The resurrection of a 227-year-old law—the Alien Enemies Act—to expel Venezuelans. A chilling disregard for long-held rules and norms, all adding up to a climate of fear.

But is this moment truly new? Or the continuation of an old story? The answer is both.

While shocking, these recent actions are not surprising. Many of the laws that justify our new policies have long existed, but were rarely enforced with such vigor. Our history has always held both xenophobia and open arms. The tension between America’s identity as a welcoming nation and its legacy of exclusion is now erupting into a battle over the very narrative of who we are.

In this timely and urgent discussion, we engaged leading voices in immigration: former United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees and Executive Dean of The New School for Social Research Alex Aleinikoff and Executive Director of the Muslim Community Network Husein Yatabarry. Led in conversation by one of the most trusted immigration writers in the country Dara Lind, together we explored the roots of today’s policies, challenged myths about American openness, and asked what future we are building and what is ultimately at stake.

This program is part of Just Conversations, an ongoing event series co-presented by the Center for Brooklyn History and Brooklyn Org that brings into dialogue issues facing our borough, city, and society and gives voice to the change makers who move us towards a more equitable future. 

Special thanks to Documented for their promotional partnership.