Migrating to America: A Dream Worth Dying For

Migrating to America: A Dream Worth Dying For

Migrants face life-threatening jungles, rivers, mountains, and deserts on their way to the USA. Reporter James Stout travelled from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas to the mountains of Southern California and the jungles of the Darién Gap to hear from them about the journey, their American dreams, and the people who helped them during their travels. Along the way, he interviews migrants, experts, and is joined by conflict reporter Robert Evans to discuss anti-migrant conspiracy theories.

Episodes

May 25, 2022 27 mins

Robert and James head down to the Texas border to meet with the director of a butterfly sanctuary in the crosshairs of a far right culture war.

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James and Robert continue their exploration of the war between Qanon and the Butterfly Sanctuary.

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The conclusion of the saga of the Butterfly Center at the border. For now.

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In the first of a four-part series, James discusses the last three years of immigration policy and what they mean for people seeking refuge in the USA.

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May 31, 2023 53 mins

In part 2 of James' series on Title 42, we hear from asylum seekers in San Ysidro and learn about the human impact of CBP’s inhumane detention practices.

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In the third part of the series on the end of Title 42, James speaks to volunteers who gave their time and resources to help the people detained in the open air by CBP.

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June 2, 2023 49 mins

In the final episode James explains some of the history of the border and how CBP grew into an agency that operates without oversight across the USA and the world.

 

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James talks to Robert and Shereen about CBP’s practice of detaining migrants in the open air with no food, water, or supplies, and then denying they’re detaining them

Xavier’s video coverage: https://youtube.com/@sdartivistmedia?si=LZR1a6OeqgzcA6Sf 

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James talks to Heval and Aloe about the increasing number of people in outdoor detention in Jacumba and how you can help.

 

https://borderkindness.org/donate/

Alotrolado.org/donate

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James talks to John and Heval about the changing situation at the border in San Diego county, new outdoor detention sites, and how you can organize to solve problems in your area.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jacumba-migrant-camps 

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In the first of five episodes, James describes his journey to the Darién gap in Southern Panama, and the journeys that thousands of migrants take each week on one of the most dangerous land migration routes on earth.

Sources:

https://www.notiparole.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAaDkSwh1Jk/?igsh=bmgyanBteW10czd5

https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/20/archives/a-new-canaldug-by-atom-bombs-...

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In part three of his series on the Darién Gap, James talks about what drives Venezuelan and African migrants to make the journey through the Darién Gap.

Sources:

https://www.notiparole.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAaDkSwh1Jk/?igsh=bmgyanBteW10czd5

https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/20/archives/a-new-canaldug-by-atom-bombs-nuclear-energy-is-the-key-to-replacing.html

https://www.th...

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In the fourth installment of his series on the Darién Gap, James talks to migrants at Lajas Blancas reception center north of the Darién, who can often be stuck there for months without the money to continue their journeys.

Sources:

https://www.notiparole.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAaDkSwh1Jk/?igsh=bmgyanBteW10czd5

https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/20/archives/a-new-canaldug-by-atom-bombs-...

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James' final episode looks at the people helping migrants once they leave the Darién Gap, and how you can help.

Donation links for groups featured in this series: 

Border Kindness: https://borderkindness.org/donate/
Al Otro Lado: https://alotrolado.networkforgood.com/projects/63833-al-otro-lado-fund
Fe Y Alegria: https://www.feyalegria.org/en/home-fya-international/

Sources:

https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/...

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In the first of a four part series, James catches up with Primrose and her daughter Kim, who he met in the Darien Gap. We hear about the journey from Panama to the USA’s southern border, and the challenges migrants face along the way.

Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html

https://w...

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In the second episode of a four part series, James talks about why Primrose left Zimbabwe and the way migrants are covered in legacy media.

Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article299272524.html

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/woody-guthr...

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In the third episode of a four part series, James talks about ICE raids, Primrose’s time in detention, and the start of mass protest against Trump’s mass deportations. 

Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article299272524.html

https://www...

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In the final episode of a four part series, James talks about the need for mutual aid, and speaks to the family hosting Primrose now. 

Primrose’s Legal Aid Fundraiser: https://www.gofundme.com/f/immigration-lawyer-for-primrose

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/world/americas/trump-us-mexico-border.html

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/article299272524.html

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/woody-...

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