What a Day Episode Summary: "Trump Targets Immigrants"

Released: January 22, 2025
Host: Jane Coaston, Crooked Media

Introduction

In this episode of What a Day, host Jane Kostin delves into the latest developments from the third day of former President Donald Trump's second term. The focus centers on Trump's aggressive actions to overhaul U.S. immigration policies, the ensuing legal battles, internal party criticisms, and the broader implications for migrants and American society.

Trump's Executive Orders on Immigration

1. Ending Birthright Citizenship

At the core of Trump's immigration crackdown is an executive order aimed at revoking birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and those with only temporary legal status.

• Trump's Statement [00:56]:
  "We're the only country in the world that does this with birthright, as you know, and it's just absolutely ridiculous. But, you know, we'll see. We think we have very good grounds. Certainly people have wanted to do this for decades."

Fact Check:
Kostin clarifies that countries like Canada and Mexico also practice birthright citizenship. The order seeks to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, a move already facing legal challenges from over 20 states and the ACLU.

• New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin [01:52]:
  "This is an extreme and unprecedented act, and this executive order is an assault on the rule of law. It attacks a right that is core to our nation's earliest days."

2. Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border

Trump declared a national emergency to gain expanded powers over immigration enforcement. This includes deploying the military to the border and continuing the construction of the border wall.

3. Shutdown of the CBP1 Asylum App

The administration terminated the Biden-era mobile application designed to streamline the asylum process, resulting in thousands of migrants losing their appointments.

• Impact on Migrants:
  Migrants like Marheli Tinoco from Colombia are now left without legal pathways to enter the U.S., forcing many into confusion and despair.

  • Marheli Tinoco [02:34]:
    "I know that I will be able to cross into the US someday. I will not give up on the American dream because I don't know what to tell my kids."

4. Reinstitution of the "Remain in Mexico" Policy

Trump reinstated the policy requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while their claims are processed in U.S. courts.

• Mexico's Response [05:42]:
  Mexico's president expressed opposition but indicated compliance to avoid economic repercussions, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

5. Labeling Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

This move aims to intensify the U.S. government's stance against drug trafficking groups, although experts warn of potential backfires and unintended consequences.

6. Pausing the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program

The suspension affects thousands of refugees awaiting entry, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis at the border.

7. Removing Protections for Migrants in Public Spaces

Policies limiting arrests of migrants in places like churches and schools have been discarded, increasing the vulnerability of migrants in public areas.

Legal and Political Reactions

Legal Challenges:

The birthright citizenship order has garnered significant opposition, with multiple lawsuits filed by states and advocacy groups.

Internal Party Criticism:

Even within Trump's own Republican Party, there is notable dissent regarding his recent clemency actions for January 6th insurrectionists.

• Senator Thom Tillis [13:09]:
  "Anybody who was convicted of assault on a police officer, I just, I can't get there at all. I think it was a bad idea."

This criticism extends to the pardoning of figures like former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio and Oathkeepers founder Stewart Rhodes, highlighting fractures within the party.

Impact on Migrants: Personal Stories

Migrants are directly affected by Trump's policies, as illustrated by the story of Marheli Tinoco. With the shutdown of the CBP1 app, many migrants face the grim reality of losing official channels to seek asylum, pushing them towards illegal crossings or abandoning their American dreams altogether.

Interview with Emily Greene: Real-World Effects

Jane Kostin converses with Emily Greene, a freelance reporter based in Mexico City, to unpack the tangible implications of Trump's executive orders.

Key Insights from Emily Greene:

• National Emergency Implications [03:45]:
  Grants Trump enhanced powers for border enforcement, including military deployment and wall construction.

• CBP1 App Shutdown [04:06]:
  Eliminates legal pathways for entry, leading to confusion, panic, and increased reliance on smugglers.

• "Remain in Mexico" Policy [05:42]:
  Mexico's tepid response is driven by the threat of crippling tariffs, leaving migrants vulnerable.

• Labeling Cartels as Terrorist Organizations [07:40]:
  Raises concerns about overreach and the potential negative impact on U.S. companies inadvertently linked to cartels.

• International Reception [08:53]:
  Western governments are increasingly turning against immigration, viewing migrants as political liabilities rather than human beings deserving protection.

Emily emphasizes the precarious position of migrants, who are often used as bargaining chips in larger geopolitical and economic conflicts without any real advocates.

Confirmation Hearings: Elise Stefanik for UN Ambassador

New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik underwent her Senate confirmation hearing for the role of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Her responses were notably vague and filled with platitudes.

• On Ukraine [13:56]:
  Stefanik declined to specify strategies for holding Russia accountable.

• On the Middle East [14:19]:
  She advocated for stronger U.S. support for Israel but avoided addressing anti-Semitism within the UN.

Stefanik also proposed cutting funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, signaling a tough stance on international aid and diplomacy.

Department of Justice Overhaul

In a significant reshuffle, the Trump administration removed at least 15 career staffers from the Department of Justice (DOJ), including top executives in criminal and national security divisions. Additionally, Linda Fagan, the Coast Guard’s first female four-star admiral, was terminated for alleged leadership failures and inability to advance strategic objectives.

International Developments: Israel-Palestine Conflict

Amid a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel released ninety Palestinian prisoners, predominantly women and children, while Hamas released hostages with plans for gradual releases. Concurrently, displaced Palestinians are beginning to return to homes damaged by Israeli airstrikes, and the UN reports successful entry of over 630 aid trucks into Gaza. However, Israeli military operations in the West Bank continue, resulting in casualties and further tension.

Economic Policies: Rising Grocery Prices

Despite Trump's campaign promises to lower grocery costs, consumers are grappling with soaring prices for essentials like eggs, coffee, and cereal.

• Trump's Comments on Groceries [17:36]:
  "But prices will come down. You just watch. They'll come down and they'll down fast."

Kostin critiques Trump's executive order on "emergency price relief," noting its vagueness and lack of concrete measures to address the inflationary pressures exacerbated by recent tariffs and market disruptions.

Conclusion

Jane Kostin wraps up the episode by highlighting the continued challenges posed by Trump's second-term policies, emphasizing the significant impact on immigration, legal frameworks, and everyday American life. She encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged, underscoring the importance of understanding these developments in shaping the nation's future.

Key Quotes

• Trump on Birthright Citizenship [00:56]:
  "We're the only country in the world that does this with birthright, as you know, and it's just absolutely ridiculous."

• Matthew Platkin on Executive Order [01:52]:
  "This is an extreme and unprecedented act, and this executive order is an assault on the rule of law."

• Marheli Tinoco's Resolve [02:34]:
  "I will not give up on the American dream because I don't know what to tell my kids."

• Senator Thom Tillis on Pardons [13:09]:
  "Anybody who was convicted of assault on a police officer, I just, I can't get there at all. I think it was a bad idea."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in the "Trump Targets Immigrants" episode of What a Day, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the episode's key themes and implications.