Jersey Works

In this final episode of Jersey Works, we break down the critical role of immigration in shaping America's economic future amidst political challenges. We discuss labor shortages, innovative immigration policies, and the importance of fostering welcoming communities, especially in New Jersey.

Guests:

• Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
• Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
• Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
• Shihab Kuran — Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Power Edison and Petra Solar

Hosts:

• Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
• Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies on the economy and local communities. We highlight personal stories, expert analyses, and the broader implications these policies have on workers, employers, and societal trust.

Guests:

• Marisol Conde-Hernandez — Immigration Lawyer
• Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
• Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
• Megan Chambers — President of the SEIU NJ State Council and Co-Manager of the LDFS Joint Board Workers United SEIU
• Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives
• Evelyn Saz — Lead Organizer, National Domestic Workers Alliance, NJ
• Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University

Hosts:

• Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
• Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans

From hospitals to board rooms, immigrants fill the labor gaps that are widening across the country. This episode gives a $1.3 billion reality check. We examine the complex relationship between a immigrants and labor, highlighting their crucial role across various sectors and the misguided narratives about the U.S. workforce. We speak with experts, success stories, and policymakers to shed light on how immigrant contributions fuel economic growth despite societal challenges.

Guests:

• Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
• Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
• Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
• Evelyn Saz — Lead Organizer, National Domestic Workers Alliance, NJ
• Andre Sayegh — Mayor of Paterson, NJ
• Farhanna Sayegh — Cross-cultural Communications Consultant, First Lady of Paterson, NJ
• Nicholas Montalto — NJ Business Immigration Coalition, Co-founder & Coordinator
• Shihab Kuran— Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Power Edison and Petra Solar
• Marisol Conde-Hernandez — Immigration Lawyer Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives

Hosts:

• Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
• Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans

In this episode of Jersey Works, hosts Julie Winokur and Tim Raphael discuss the critical, but often overlooked impact of immigrant labor on the US economy. They focus on New Jersey as a role model, which punches well above its weight economically while boasting one of the highest foreign-born population.s in the country. From Alexander Hamilton and the origins of industrialization to today's anti-immigrant rhetoric, discover how immigration policies have shaped, and continue to influence, economic growth and social diversity.

Guests:

• Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
• Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate
• Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives
• Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
• Angelica Santamauro — Executive Director, American Museum of Labor History (Botto House, Paterson)
• Andre Sayegh — Mayor of Paterson, NJ

Hosts:

• Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
• Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans

So you think you know a lot about immigration? Think again. Jersey Works tells the story of the past, present and future of our conflicted relationship to foreign-born workers, and it does so with nuance, humor and deep expertise. This podcast places immigrants where they belong: at the center of the U.S. economy.