Episode 283: These Immigration Moves Are Not New

This episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy gives a preamble on the history of immigration. Then she sits down again with immigration attorney Alan Orr to cut through the myths, scapegoating, and fear-mongering driving today’s immigration debates. Together, they unpack how U.S. deportation policies recycle an old playbook: create a villain, distract the public, and funnel public dollars to private profit.

From Reconstruction to today’s asylum crises, the tactic hasn’t changed—just the faces. L. Joy and Attorney Orr explain the racial double standards in refugee policy, the economic drain caused by detention contracts, and why Black communities in particular must pay close attention.

Tune in, take notes, and bring someone along for the conversation. Then, make the call—because civic power grows when we use it.

Do Now

Call your House member and both Senators. Ask them:

• What dollars are “saved” by deportations?

• Where exactly are those “savings” redirected?

• Which companies hold detention contracts, and how are they overseen?

• What investments are currently being made in housing, schools, and local economies in your district?

• Encourage local reporters to ask the same questions—and keep the focus on budgets, contracts, and outcomes.

Allen Orr, Jr.

Allen Orr Jr. has over 13 years of U.S. and global immigration experience with the immigration practice of one of the largest international law firms. He is the recipient of the 2009 Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award - for contributions made in the immigration law field and specifically for his work with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Allen Orr, Jr. is Past President of AILA, Immigration Chair NBA, Lawyer, Immigration Strategist, SiriusXM Urbanview contributor, KBLA 1580 contributor, Morehouse '95 Howard Law.