Podcast Summary: 99% Invisible – "Open Borders"
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Roman Mars
Guest: John Washington, Author of "The Case for Open Borders"
Introduction: The Power of Borders
Roman Mars opens the episode by introducing John Washington, whose personal and familial experiences with migration have profoundly shaped his understanding of borders. Washington recounts his childhood stories of his family's arduous journey from Romania to the United States, highlighting how these tales once felt distant but recently resurfaced in his consciousness.
John Washington: "A border is an idea so powerful that we never even have to see it to believe it or believe in it." (01:28)
Personal Encounter: A Test of Morality
Washington shares a pivotal personal experience from the mid-2000s during a camping trip in the Anza Borrego Desert. While searching for a campsite, he and his friend encounter a distressed migrant seeking help. Language barriers and legal fears prevent them from offering assistance, leading to a profound sense of inhumanity and introspection.
John Washington: "We left this young man who was in bad shape on the side of the road... It was criminalizing me for offering him the help he needed that day." (02:32)
Historical Perspective: The Berlin Wall
Washington delves into the history of the Berlin Wall (1961-1989), exploring its construction by East Germany to prevent citizens from fleeing to the West. He discusses the unintended psychological impacts, termed "Wall sickness," which led to widespread depression and anxiety among those living near the barrier.
John Washington: "Wall sickness... changed the way that they thought about and saw other people." (06:48)
The fall of the Berlin Wall is examined as a result of popular discontent and mass protests rather than legislative change, emphasizing the fragility and constructed nature of such barriers.
John Washington: "People just started gathering, just started just crossing the border." (07:33)
Case Study: The Radcliffe Line between India and Pakistan
Shifting to South Asia, Washington explores the Radcliffe Line, the arbitrary border drawn in 1947 to partition British India into India and Pakistan based on religious demographics. The rushed and ill-informed demarcation led to one of the largest forced migrations in history, with an estimated two million deaths.
John Washington: "Radcliffe's line... put about 15 million people in the wrong place, making it the largest forced migration in the world." (14:03)
He highlights the lasting tensions and militarization of this border, showcasing its dual nature as both a site of conflict and a tourist attraction where military rituals are performed daily.
Modern Borders: The U.S.-Mexico Border
Washington parallels historical examples with contemporary issues at the U.S.-Mexico border. He discusses the extensive fencing and militarization that have emerged over the past three decades, drawing similarities to the Berlin Wall in terms of their intent and unintended consequences.
John Washington: "Walls do slow people down, but most folks can cut through them... They are to send a message." (29:40)
He also touches on the phenomenon of circular migration, noting how increased enforcement has reduced the flow of temporary migrants, effectively trapping many in the United States.
Australia's Offshore Detention Centers
The episode examines Australia's "Pacific Solution," where asylum seekers intercepted at sea are detained on remote islands like Nauru and Christmas Island. Washington describes the harsh conditions and political maneuvers that have solidified Australia's rigid border policies.
John Washington: "Australia was willing to move its border to protect its border, I think is a really telling example." (24:36)
Advocating for Open Borders
Concluding the discussion, Washington articulates his argument for open borders, emphasizing both ethical imperatives and economic benefits. He references studies showing that refugees and immigrants contribute positively to national economies, debunking myths of them being a fiscal burden.
John Washington: "Humans have always migrated, and they likely always will... Open borders is not no borders." (25:45)
He underscores that open borders facilitate voluntary migration, allowing individuals to move based on personal needs and opportunities rather than coercion, ultimately fostering a more humane and economically vibrant society.
Notable Quotes
- John Washington: "Borders tend to protect the idea of a country more than the country itself." (09:25)
- John Washington: "It's telling that after drawing the line, Radcliffe burned all of his paperwork." (14:48)
- John Washington: "Migration is good for receiving communities. They are overall a huge boon to economies, both local and regional, and of course, national as well." (27:40)
Conclusion
Roman Mars wraps up the episode by reflecting on the mutable nature of borders and the human stories intertwined with them. Through historical analysis and personal narratives, "Open Borders" challenges listeners to reconsider preconceived notions about immigration and the structures that govern human movement.
Episode Credits: Produced by Lashma Don, edited by Delaney Hall, and featuring special thanks to John Washington.
Connect with 99% Invisible: Visit 99percentinvisible.org for more episodes and content.