"Immigration Nation" is a 2020 Netflix documentary series directed by Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau. It consists of 6 episodes, each offering a deep, behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. immigration system, the enforcement efforts by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the human stories of immigrants navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. Below is a breakdown of each episode’s content:
This episode introduces viewers to the harsh realities of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. It explores the aggressive tactics used by ICE to detain undocumented immigrants. The episode focuses on how the prioritization of criminalization has led to a rise in fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, with stories of families being torn apart as ICE raids escalate.
This episode dives into the challenges faced by both immigration officials and the immigrants themselves. It highlights the pressures placed on ICE officers to meet arrest quotas and explores how these pressures affect the way the system operates. On the other side, immigrants live in constant fear, navigating the threat of deportation while trying to establish a life in the U.S.
In this episode, the focus shifts to the political ramifications of immigration policy. It discusses the impact of immigration issues on U.S. elections and how both sides of the political spectrum use immigration as a tool to mobilize voters. The episode also touches on advocacy efforts by pro-immigrant groups and the role of grassroots activism in shaping the conversation around immigration reform.
This episode examines the border situation and the increased militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border. It also provides a closer look at the experiences of asylum seekers who face long, uncertain waits while their cases are processed. The episode gives insight into the Remain in Mexico policy and the difficult conditions many face in border camps as they wait for asylum decisions.
This episode follows the legal aspects of immigration, focusing on immigration courts, the lawyers defending immigrants, and the bureaucratic hurdles involved in obtaining legal status in the U.S. It highlights the stories of individuals trying to go through the proper legal channels, but encountering a system that is often overwhelmed and slow to act.
In the final episode, the series addresses the controversial policies that aim to deter immigration through strict enforcement and harsh conditions. The episode covers the broader consequences of these policies, such as family separations and the rising death toll of migrants attempting dangerous journeys across the U.S.-Mexico border. It also emphasizes the human toll of immigration enforcement, with deeply emotional stories of loss, survival, and the hope for a better life.