As Feds Play Politics, Local Solutions to Immigration Emerge
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As the White House and Congress grapple over immigration reform, local towns and cities dramatize the nation's divisions. There's "zero tolerance" in one place and a welcome mat in another. Is illegal immigration both a burden and a blessing? Also, a suicide bomber strikes inside Baghdad's Green Zone and, on Reporter's Notebook, Don Imus and words that offend, depending on who's using them.
Making News
Suicide Bomb Hits Iraq's Green Zone, Baghdad Bridge ()
There was a breach of security in one of the world's most heavily guarded enclaves today when a suicide bomber struck inside Baghdad's Green Zone, where the Iraqi government is housed. Eight were killed, including three members of the Iraqi parliament. President strongly condemned the action, saying it "reminds us that there is an enemy willing to bomb innocent people in a symbol of democracy." Brian Bennett is in Baghdad for Time magazine.
Guests:
- Brian Bennett: Baghdad Correspondent for Time magazine, @bybrianbennett
Main Topic
Is Illegal Immigration a Burden or a Blessing? ()
The President's latest proposal for immigration reform now includes stepped up border security and tamper-proof ID cards for guest workers. But the road to legal status and citizenship for illegal immigrants still bothers members of both parties--especially Republicans. With immigration reform seemingly stalled this year on Capitol Hill, cities and towns around the country are finding their own ways of dealing with newcomers. We hear about "zero tolerance," with fines for employers and landlords of undocumented workers, and about places revitalized by illegal immigrants, who are opening stores, paying taxes and cooperating with local police.
Guests:
- Lou Barletta: Mayor of Hazelton, Pennsylvania
- Robert Patten: Mayor of Hightstown, New Jersey
- Terry Ross: Editor of the Yuma Sun
- Gillian Gaynair: Reporter for the Virginian Pilot
- Elizabeth Fussell: Assistant Professor of Sociology at Tulane University
- Shannon O'Neil: Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, @shannonkoneil
Links:
- Illegal Immigration Relief Act (Hazelton, Pennsylvania)
- Bear Stearns on 'underground labor force'
- Hightstown (NJ) ignoring federal policies on illegal immigration, Washington Post on
- Yuma Sun editorial on President's plan for immigration reform
- Gaynair's article on public outcry over teens' death, illegal immigration
- O'Neil's article on need for immigrant workers
Reporter's Notebook
Is Black Pop Culture to Blame? ()
Radio "shock jock" Don Imus won't be simulcast by MSNBC any more. CBS radio will suspend him for two weeks starting Monday, giving him time to meet with the Rutgers women's basketball team, the group he referred to as "nappy-headed ho's." Imus did not invent the phrase that brought him so much trouble. Will whatever happens to him make a difference? John Ridley is a screenwriter and a frequent commentator on National Public Radio.
Guests:
- John Ridley: Commentator, author and screenwriter, @John_Ridley
Links:
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