It seems fitting, Austin, that you shared our recent conversation with the world on the 80th anniversary of Germany’s unconditional surrender to the WWII Allied Forces, marking the end not just of hostilities in Europe but to the systematic mass murder of 11-12 million souls by the Fascist regime of Adolf Hitler. Given that the many topics we hit upon during our hour together included the parallels between the rise of European Fascism in the early 20th century and the rise of US Fascism today, the publication date of our book talk is very, very apropos indeed!
When I wrote Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands, I thought I was writing a history and an exposé of a US bipartisan immigration system and border strategy gone awry. I intended it to be a clarion call to action to abolish the detention to deportation pipeline BEFORE its use escalated into a US repeat of the WWII Holocaust. I thought I was writing a "Handbook for a More Human World."
But with the Trump regime now back in power and openly, boastingly harnessing the ICE infrastructure of cruelty to pursue crimes against humanity on a mass scale once again, I am so grateful for your reframing of the book as: 1) a “primer” to the immigration issue; 2) a "must read" for all who now seek a better understanding of the issue now driving the US to a constitutional crisis that might augur the death of democratic norms and values; and 3) a “manual” for growing the movement for JUST migration.
Such high praise from a fellow "warrior of welcome," and one I consider to be the preeminent scholar of immigration enforcement in the US today, has renewed my hope -- a hope I'd all but lost since Nov 5 -- as well as my commitment to growing the choir singing loud and long that THIS IS NOT THE NATION WE WISH TO BE.
My gratitude for your unique voice and your generous solidarity knows no bounds, Austin. I'm thrilled, as ever, to be raising the alarms and growing the choir in harmony with you!!
Thank you for listening and restacking, James Hertling, and for your commitment to the movements for JUST migration and abolition of cruelty for cruelty's sake. Always good to meet a member of the choir!
It seems fitting, Austin, that you shared our recent conversation with the world on the 80th anniversary of Germany’s unconditional surrender to the WWII Allied Forces, marking the end not just of hostilities in Europe but to the systematic mass murder of 11-12 million souls by the Fascist regime of Adolf Hitler. Given that the many topics we hit upon during our hour together included the parallels between the rise of European Fascism in the early 20th century and the rise of US Fascism today, the publication date of our book talk is very, very apropos indeed!
When I wrote Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands, I thought I was writing a history and an exposé of a US bipartisan immigration system and border strategy gone awry. I intended it to be a clarion call to action to abolish the detention to deportation pipeline BEFORE its use escalated into a US repeat of the WWII Holocaust. I thought I was writing a "Handbook for a More Human World."
But with the Trump regime now back in power and openly, boastingly harnessing the ICE infrastructure of cruelty to pursue crimes against humanity on a mass scale once again, I am so grateful for your reframing of the book as: 1) a “primer” to the immigration issue; 2) a "must read" for all who now seek a better understanding of the issue now driving the US to a constitutional crisis that might augur the death of democratic norms and values; and 3) a “manual” for growing the movement for JUST migration.
Such high praise from a fellow "warrior of welcome," and one I consider to be the preeminent scholar of immigration enforcement in the US today, has renewed my hope -- a hope I'd all but lost since Nov 5 -- as well as my commitment to growing the choir singing loud and long that THIS IS NOT THE NATION WE WISH TO BE.
My gratitude for your unique voice and your generous solidarity knows no bounds, Austin. I'm thrilled, as ever, to be raising the alarms and growing the choir in harmony with you!!
A wonderful and engaging conversation- thank you Austin and congratulations Sarah!
Thank you for listening and restacking, James Hertling, and for your commitment to the movements for JUST migration and abolition of cruelty for cruelty's sake. Always good to meet a member of the choir!