Podcast Summary: "Murad Awawdeh is Fighting for Immigrants"
Podcast Information:
- Title: So True with Caleb Herron
- Host/Author: Headgum
- Episode: Murad Awawdeh is Fighting for Immigrants
- Release Date: May 29, 2025
Introduction
In this poignant episode of "So True with Caleb Herron," host Caleb Herron engages in a heartfelt and informative conversation with Murad Awawdeh, an immigration organizer and advocate with the New York Immigrant Coalition. Departing from the podcast's usual comedic tone, both hosts emphasize the serious nature of the discussion surrounding current immigration issues in the United States.
Caleb Herron (00:50): “This episode is not funny. It is really informative.”
Current Immigration Policies and Administration
The conversation delves into the aggressive immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration, highlighting the staggering number of executive orders targeting immigrant communities.
Caleb Herron (04:24): “The Trump administration came in and within their first 100 days issued over 250 anti-immigrant executive orders.”
Murad echoes the sentiment, describing the administration's actions as not merely policies but deliberate attacks on immigrant families and communities.
Murad Awawdeh (04:14): “It's a little tough at the moment. I imagine it's incredibly tough.”
Impact on Immigrant Families and Communities
Caleb discusses the emotional and social toll of these policies, emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon immigrant families seeking safety and stability.
Caleb Herron (05:18): “I'm witnessing what’s happening to immigrants right now. It makes me feel crazy.”
The hosts share harrowing accounts of families being torn apart and the long-term implications for communities nationwide.
Caleb Herron (44:45): “People are being ripped from their communities and families and homes. It really disturbs me the most.”
Economic Contributions of Immigrants
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the indispensable role immigrants play in various industries, countering prevalent myths about immigrants taking jobs or draining resources.
Caleb Herron (09:11): “Housing subsidies to help people stay housed are being cut to fund anti-immigrant policies and give billionaires more tax cuts.”
He further underscores the economic contributions of immigrants, particularly in sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
Caleb Herron (10:32): “70% of the agricultural workforce are immigrants.”
Caleb Herron (14:21): “Vast majority, if not, immigrant community contributes so much in taxes. Here in New York, over $74 billion in state and local taxes are contributed by immigrant communities.”
Debunking Myths: Immigrants and Crime
The hosts tackle the pervasive misconception linking immigrants to increased crime rates. They present data and studies that demonstrate immigrants often make communities safer rather than contributing to violence.
Caleb Herron (31:16): “Study after study shows that when immigrants move to a community, they make the community safer.”
Murad adds that the few highlighted cases of immigrant-related crimes are used to paint an entire community negatively.
Murad Awawdeh (69:50): “These communities are safer. The narrative of criminality persists despite evidence to the contrary.”
Judiciary’s Role and Due Process
Caleb emphasizes the importance of the judiciary in upholding due process for all individuals, regardless of immigration status, and criticizes the administration's attempts to bypass legal protocols.
Caleb Herron (40:43): “The courts have stood up and said, this is in most cases unlawful.”
Murad Awawdeh (39:41): “That's not how this works. The last time it was used was to revoke Osama bin Laden's relative's green card.”
Community Organizing and Activism
Transitioning to actionable steps, the hosts discuss the importance of community engagement and organizing to combat unjust immigration policies. They advocate for building strong community ties and supporting organizations that aid immigrants.
Murad Awawdeh (53:16): “We need to know our neighbors and build and strengthen our communities.”
Caleb Herron (54:35): “Join an organization, donate your skill, or start one if you don't see any existing.”
Confronting Political Narratives
Caleb and Murad critically analyze how political figures manipulate narratives around immigration to serve ulterior motives, often distracting from larger socio-economic issues perpetuated by the wealthy elite.
Caleb Herron (08:50): “Historically, the wealthy have paraded anti-immigrant sentiments to divert attention from their exploitation.”
Murad Awawdeh (16:57): “Billionaires are distracting us from the evil they’re doing to make our lives worse.”
Future of Immigration and Democracy
The conversation concludes with reflections on the fragility of democratic principles in the face of authoritarian policies and the necessity for collective action to preserve human rights and dignity.
Caleb Herron (77:25): “By 2042, this country is going to no longer be a white majority country. It’s going to be a community of people of color, and they don’t want that to happen.”
Murad Awawdeh (74:21): “We are all human. We're all trying to live a good, healthy, and happy life.”
Conclusion
Caleb and Murad wrap up the episode by reaffirming their commitment to fighting unjust immigration policies and urging listeners to take tangible actions within their communities. They highlight the success stories as beacons of hope, emphasizing that collective effort can lead to meaningful change.
Caleb Herron (80:08): “People have power. We are the many, they are the few. And they are scared that we will unite and fight back.”
Murad Awawdeh (80:12): “This has been very informative. Thank you for being on.”
Notable Quotes:
- Caleb Herron (00:50): “This episode is not funny. It is really informative.”
- Caleb Herron (09:11): “Housing subsidies to help people stay housed are being cut to fund anti-immigrant policies and give billionaires more tax cuts.”
- Caleb Herron (31:16): “Study after study shows that when immigrants move to a community, they make the community safer.”
- Caleb Herron (54:35): “Join an organization, donate your skill, or start one if you don't see any existing.”
- Caleb Herron (80:08): “People have power. We are the many, they are the few. And they are scared that we will unite and fight back.”
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as a compelling call to action, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges facing immigrant communities today. Through informed dialogue and shared experiences, Caleb Herron and Murad Awawdeh provide listeners with both the understanding and motivation needed to engage in meaningful advocacy for immigrant rights.