The following films are from our Films on Demand Database, accessible with MU credentials from off-campus.
America's Immigration DebateDiversity from immigration keeps cities alive, former Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) and other leaders assert in this program; opposing views are also presented, thus summarizing America’s immigration debate with mixed evaluations of its capacity for change. Using commentary from several experts—including Michael Teitelbaum, vice chair of the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform, and Margie McHugh, executive director of the New York Immigrant Coalition—this program studies the isolation of ethnic communities, the shifting of racial definitions, and America’s lack of an infrastructure to support immigrant integration.
Destination AmericaFrom award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, this four-part series explores the remarkable stories of migration to the United States. Each episode features the experiences of individual immigrants and families, driven by the same forces that have compelled individuals to immigrate for centuries: economic opportunity, religious freedom, artistic expression, and an escape from a violent and oppressive way of life. Distributed by PBS Distribution. 4-part series, 60 minutes each.
Give Undocumented Immigrants a Path to Citizenship: A DebateAround 11 million undocumented immigrants currently live in the United States, and the question of what to do about them has sparked years of fierce debate. Some argue that these immigrants work hard and make positive contributions to the economy, while others argue that they burden taxpayers and create unwanted competition for jobs. In 2013, the Senate passed a comprehensive bill that included giving undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship, but it died in the House of Representatives. President Obama then took executive actions to protect some of them from deportation, but the courts blocked their implementation. So what should the United States do? Should it give undocumented immigrants a chance to earn citizenship through a process that would include paying a penalty and passing a security check? Or would such a process reward them for breaking the rules and encourage more illegal immigration? Should the United States give undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship?
Global Cities: Immigration and the World Economy SeriesThe globalization of the world’s economy has brought about massive shifts in population—some welcomed, some meeting fear and resistance. This high-energy series tours five cities where such changes are evident, gathering perspectives from New York, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, and Mexico City. It also studies America’s increasingly divisive national debate over immigration. 6-part series, 26 minutes each.
Go Back to Where You Came From (Series)Over the course of this three-part series—a reality-TV sociology experiment with documentary aspects—six highly opinionated Australian citizens challenge their preconceived notions about refugees and asylum seekers by embarking on a 25-day journey to backtrack the harrowing trail that those fleeing to Australia might take. Shedding much-needed light on the cruel and controversial circumstances of the world’s boat people, Go Back to Where You Came From succeeds brilliantly in conveying the complexity of the illegal emigrant experience—and the desperate courage of those who voyage into the unknown in an effort to save themselves and their families from the horrors of war and anarchy. Participants include an unemployed 21-year-old; a lifeguard, 26; an aspiring politician, 29; a singer, 39; a businessman, 42; and a retired social worker, 63. Some content may be objectionable, and some language may be offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. 3-part series, 55–60 minutes each.
Immigration: Who Has Access to the American Dream?To most Americans, the debate over immigration policy remains an abstraction in the headlines. But for new immigrants, such policy dictates the terms of their survival in a new society. This program examines the hard-core questions surrounding current U.S. immigration. How many should we allow in? Who, if anyone, should receive preferential treatment? How should illegal immigration be handled? All of the issues are examined through the eyes of those seeking entry, and the organizations assisting them. Those interviewed include an immigration judge, an immigrant from Kenya, and the owner of a New York City deli from Korea. (29 minutes)
Let’s Stop Welcoming Undocumented Immigrants: A DebateIn the past decade, a large influx of immigrants has expanded beyond traditional polyglot cities. This has produced a backlash, especially since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, made immigration a national security issue. Some argue that the U.S. economy demands immigrant labor, and by denying these workers legal status, the government is fostering a shadow sub-class subject to abuse. Others, contending that illegal workers depress wages and cause a culture clash, oppose legalization and argue that tougher enforcement measures are necessary. For years, Congress has debated and failed to pass a sweeping immigration overhaul.
Next Stop Istanbul: The Refugee CrisisWith neighboring Syria in ruins and stricken by a civil war, Turkey keeps its borders closed in exchange for billions of euros from the European Union. Many Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans have managed to cross the porous borders and are now in Istanbul, the gateway to Europe. Will they stay there or is crossing to Europe too irresistible? Last year, thousands drowned during the sea crossing to Europe. After the agreement between Turkey and the EU, checkpoints and patrols along the coast have increased. Turkey is coming down harder on the human traffickers: hundreds of them have been arrested. Still they can’t stop people crossing into Europe.
Our Hopes Have Been Shattered: A Case Study in Immigration and AssimilationBy the time the second wave of boat people arrived, the Vietnamese enclave of Cabramatta had been dubbed “the heroin capital of Australia.” Young Asians were at the center of the drug trade, due, at least in part, to parents with PTSD and a local infrastructure unprepared to handle the unique needs of their community. When a prominent politician was assassinated by a man from Cabramatta, the Australian media exploded with anti-immigrant sentiments, while the refugees could not believe how far from their original hopes their lives had strayed. This program uses the plight of the Vietnamese in Australia to examine the impact of personal trauma on refugees and, subsequently, on their families and adopted country.
Refugee Kids: One Small School Takes On the WorldThis program follows students at a New York City summer program for children seeking asylum from the world’s most volatile conflicts. It presents an intimate, emotionally gripping account of the students’ stories of escaping war and conflict and resettling in America, chronicling their triumphs and setbacks as their lives unfold over the course of one formative summer. The program humanizes complex geopolitics and depicts the challenges and urgency of immigration to America in an increasingly dangerous – and interconnected – world
The San Miguel Gate and Issues in US Immigration Policy: Dan Rather Reports on ImmigrationOn this episode of Dan Rather Reports, the program will explore the myth of border security, a family coming forward to admit their documentation status, and the plight of illegal and foriegn guest workers. Topics include: immigration reform, crossing the U.S.- Mexico Border, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DACA, and the impact of foreign guest workers on the economy.
Stop the Flow: Analyzing the Causes of EU ImmigrationCan Western aid to the developing world help to stem the tide of foreign workers into the EU? This program reports on European initiatives intended to improve conditions in Africa and the Middle East and thus reduce the number of job-seekers entering the European Union. With a spotlight on human rights, fair trade, the global war on poverty, the role of the private sector, and the frustrations of young unemployed foreigners, the program uses Morocco as a specific case study and also outlines the significance of the Middle East peace process. Additional insight comes from activists and businesspeople in developing countries and from Louis Michel, EU Commissioner of Development and Humanitarian Aid.
