Today, Explained - Episode: Not Coming to America
Released on March 31, 2025 | Hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King

Introduction

In the episode titled "Not Coming to America," hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King from Vox's Today, Explained delve deep into the escalating immigration policies under the Trump administration. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis from Michelle Hackman, an immigration correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, the episode sheds light on the administration's aggressive stance on both illegal and legal immigration, its impact on international students, and the broader implications for the United States' global standing.

Trump's Aggressive Deportation Strategy

Michelle Hackman begins by contextualizing President Trump's campaign promises regarding immigration. She states:

"Trump promised a mass deportation operation, starting on day one. I will seal the border and stop the migrant invasion into our country."
—Michelle Hackman [02:21]

Trump had pledged to initiate the largest deportation drive in U.S. history, targeting both illegal and legal immigrants. Although the administration has not met the initially projected numbers—aiming for 15 to 20 million—the strategy has shifted towards high-profile deportations designed to send a strong message. Hackman explains that these actions are "really big flashy displays" intended to garner attention and instill fear, fulfilling the administration's objective to reset the conversation on deportations ([02:33]).

Targeting International Students and Academic Institutions

A significant focus of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown has been on international students, particularly those involved in political protests. Hackman highlights several cases that exemplify this trend:

• Case of Dr. Badr Khan Suri:
  Detained without clear allegations, Suri's situation underscores the lack of transparency in the administration's actions.

  "We demand Dr. Suri's release. Free Badr Khan Suri."
  —Sean Ramos [05:44]

• Case of Alireza Duroody:
  An Iranian graduate student was detained off campus in Alabama and later deported without any criminal charges.

  "His attorney told us he has no information that Duroody presents a threat to national security."
  —Ryan Reynolds [05:47]

These cases raise critical questions about the infringement of First Amendment rights for visa holders. Hackman points out that:

"Visa holders and even some green card holders have fewer First Amendment rights than we do. The Supreme Court... has said you can't always just use the First Amendment to try to fight a deportation."
—Michelle Hackman [06:19]

Increased Scrutiny at Points of Entry

The administration has intensified its scrutiny of travelers at U.S. points of entry, leading to an uptick in detentions and deportations. Hackman observes:

"We're seeing deportations up everywhere. The crackdown, particularly on universities, has spread to places like Minnesota and the South."
—Michelle Hackman [03:22]

One alarming trend is the use of AI-generated images and memes to influence public perception. The White House has posted Studio Ghibli-style animations depicting severe immigration enforcement scenarios, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Challenges with Electronic Device Searches

A contentious aspect of the current immigration crackdown is the search of electronic devices without clear legal guidelines. Ryan Reynolds explains:

"CBP agents can search your phone at the border. Your rights, both as an immigrant and as an American citizen, are different at the border than they are in the mainland U.S."
—Ryan Reynolds [14:15]

Notable incidents include:

• French Scientist Denied Entry:
  Detained for messages opposing the administration, leading to prolonged separation without cause.

  "Her phone contained messages opposing the Trump administration."
  —Michelle Hackman [17:07]

• German Citizen's Detention:
  A German national spent over a month in solitary confinement before being deported for allegedly supporting Hezbollah.

  "Authorities canceled her visa and deported her back to Lebanon."
  —Michelle Hackman [17:08]

These actions highlight the murky legal landscape surrounding digital privacy and potential abuses of power, with profound implications for both non-citizens and American citizens.

Impact on Tourism and International Collaboration

The stringent immigration policies have had a tangible impact on tourism and academic collaborations. Hackman notes:

"Tourism numbers are dropping from many of these countries. Scientists are saying we maybe need to leave the country or foreign scientists are hesitant to collaborate."
—Michelle Hackman [09:08]

Countries like Germany and Canada have seen a decline in travelers, with governmental bodies investigating the treatment of their citizens. Academic institutions are witnessing foreign scholars reconsidering their affiliations, fearing similar detentions and deportations.

Protective Measures and Advice for Travelers

Given the heightened risks, both immigrants and citizens are advised to take protective measures:

• For Immigrants:

  • Carry Identification:
    "Non-citizens should consider carrying their identification documents everywhere they go."

    —Ryan Reynolds [22:14]

  • Device Management:
    "Consider not traveling with your personal devices or ensure they are wiped clean before travel."

    —Ryan Reynolds [18:20]

• For Citizens:

  • Carry Passport Cards:
    "Citizens might consider carrying a passport card, which fits in your wallet and is easy to carry."

    —Ryan Reynolds [22:14]

Sean Ramos summarizes the dire need for awareness:

"We're in a very scary environment right now, and it's eroding all of our rights."
—Ryan Reynolds [23:22]

Potential New Travel Bans and Future Outlook

The Trump administration is contemplating a new travel ban affecting citizens from over 43 countries, categorized into three tiers based on policy and security concerns:

• Red Tier:
  Citizens from 11 countries would be prohibited from entering the U.S. until the ban is lifted.

  —Michelle Hackman [20:17]

This prospective ban is expected to exacerbate the decline in international tourism and further strain diplomatic relations, potentially isolating the U.S. from key global communities.

Concluding Insights

The episode culminates with a reflection on the broader societal and global repercussions of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Sean Ramos encapsulates the gravity of the situation:

"These detentions of people based on what many lawyers believe is protected speech are endangering the First Amendment for everyone."
—Sean Ramos [23:22]

The combination of aggressive deportations, invasive device searches, and potential travel bans not only undermines individual freedoms but also diminishes the United States' reputation as a welcoming nation for tourists, scholars, and professionals.

Key Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Hackman [02:21]:
  "Trump promised a mass deportation, starting on day one. I will seal the border and stop the migrant invasion into our country."

• Michelle Hackman [06:19]:
  "Visa holders and even some green card holders have fewer First Amendment rights than we do."

• Ryan Reynolds [14:15]:
  "CBP agents can search your phone at the border. Your rights, both as an immigrant and as an American citizen, are different at the border than they are in the mainland U.S."

• Sean Ramos [23:22]:
  "These detentions of people based on what many lawyers believe is protected speech are endangering the First Amendment for everyone."

Conclusion

"Not Coming to America" provides a comprehensive examination of the Trump administration's immigration policies, highlighting their far-reaching impacts on individuals, communities, and America's global standing. Through expert analysis and real-world examples, the episode underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach that safeguards national security while upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms.