Research Materials
News Reports
Three reasons why so many migrants want to cross from Mexico to the US – BBC News (2024)
bbc.comThis BBC article unpacks the surge in Latin American migration, attributing it to pervasive gang violence, entrenched poverty, political repression, and climate shocks. It explores post-pandemic dynamics and growing diversity among migrants, highlighting how global factors and local crises intersect to drive mass movement across borders.
Biden Administration Deported the Highest Number of Immigrants in a Decade – El País (2024)
elpais.comEl País reports that Biden’s administration removed 271,484 migrants in FY2024—the highest count in ten years—surpassing Trump-era figures. The piece examines bipartisan continuity in exclusionary policies and highlights tensions between enforcement priorities and migrants’ rights and community impacts.
Tracking a Smuggler Behind Deadly Atlantic Migrant Crossing – BBC Verify (2025)
bbc.comThis investigative report follows a human smuggler who exploited hopeful migrants—50 of whom perished after weeks lost at sea. It exposes trafficking networks’ methods and how desperation fuels perilous journeys, offering a comparative lens on criminal exploitation in global migration routes.
US Supreme Court Halts Deportation of Detained Venezuelans Under Wartime Law – BBC News (2025)
bbc.comBBC News details a landmark ruling stopping the use of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan asylum-seekers. The summary explores the balance between national security claims and due process rights, framing debates on discrimination and emergency powers in migration law.
Short Clips
Examining the Immigration Debate in the U.S.
youtube.comAn excellent introduction to the Immigration Debate from the different perspectives currently being discussed in the U.S.
CNN Captures Smuggling Operation to Cross into the US Border – CNN en Español (2021)
cnn.comThis CNN en Español report shows rarely seen footage of 'coyotes' aiding migrants to cross from Ciudad Juárez to El Paso. Told from the migrants' perspective, it highlights the risks and clandestine nature of these border-crossing journeys.
How a Small Wisconsin City Is Responding to a Migrant Surge – PBS NewsHour (2024)
pbs.orgThis PBS NewsHour segment explores how Whitewater, Wisconsin, is handling an influx of Latin American migrants by setting up temporary shelters and community outreach campaigns. It balances logistical challenges with local solidarity efforts.
Short Documentaries
What Migrants Face as They Journey Through the Deadly Darien Gap – PBS NewsHour (2020)
pbs.orgThis PBS NewsHour documentary follows migrants traversing the Darién Gap, narrating the dangers of the impenetrable jungle, violence, and exhaustion. It reflects human resilience and the severity of factors driving migration.
Inside the Camp Where Sudanese Refugees Have Fled Civil War – PBS NewsHour (2025)
pbs.orgThis short documentary takes viewers into a refugee camp in Chad where Sudanese people have fled civil war. It illustrates parallel humanitarian crises, tensions, and international responses.
Dark Waters: Africa’s Deadliest Migration Route – BBC Africa Eye (2021)
youtube.comBBC Africa Eye’s investigation covers migrants from West Africa undertaking a deadly Atlantic crossing to Europe. It documents trafficking tactics, maritime tragedies, and the geopolitical dynamics of migration routes.
Debates / Discussion Panels
What Is Behind Tougher European Policies on Immigration? – Al Jazeera Inside Story (2025)
aljazeera.comAn Al Jazeera Inside Story panel analyzes why Europe is tightening immigration policies amid the rise of the far right. Experts debunk links between immigration and crime and examine tensions between security and human rights.
Wisconsinites Debate Immigration Issues – PBS NewsHour Special (2024)
youtube.comA PBS NewsHour community forum where Wisconsin residents discuss immigration policies. It reflects a range of local perspectives, from security concerns to recognizing migrants’ cultural and economic contributions.