Beyond the headlines: A guide to immigration podcasts
In the news cycle, we hear stories about immigrants, but these stories often overlook the lived experiences of immigrants and the communities that support them. Every immigrant has a unique story to tell, and through these podcasts, we can hear it firsthand. This guide is a curated collection of audio stories and conversations that move past the headlines and into the heart of the immigrant experience.
From firsthand accounts to news reporting and historical retellings, these podcasts offer a vital window into the experiences of immigrants who, in the past, present, and future, shape the U.S.
Personal narrative and human interest
Modern Immigrant
Modern Immigrant Hosted by a Venezuelan immigrant, this show tells stories of the immigrant experiences, from navigating family traditions to searching for belonging in a foreign culture.
Immigrantly
Immigrantly Immigrantly explores the stereotypes Americans hold about immigrants and, in doing so, the depth of the immigrant experience.
Many Roads to Here
Many Roads to Here Told firsthand, this series shares the honest stories of immigrants from around the world, preserving their legacy and perspectives.
Not Really Strangers
Not Really Strangers USA for UNHCR’s (UN Refugee Agency) Executive Director and CEO, Suzanne Ehlers, hosts this show, where she meets with guests to discuss how we’re all more connected to immigration than we know.
History and institutional memory
How to Be American
How to Be American The Tenement Museum’s podcast examines America’s history and the impact of immigrants and refugees who have shaped America’s story.
Mosaic
Mosaic This show explores the specific cultural "mosaic" of New England, proving that even local histories can tell a universal story about identity and heritage.
News and social impact
Feet in 2 Worlds
Feet in 2 Worlds With four podcasts covering a range of immigration topics—from the current political landscape to how the climate crisis affects immigrants across the country—journalists take the helm in telling these outlooks on modern immigration.
Only in America
Only in America Created by the National Immigration Forum, this podcast features expert voices, including faith leaders and business owners, to discuss how culture shapes and defines national identity.
Featured individual episodes
A Social Impact Visionary
A Social Impact Visionary: Nazanin Ash on Welcome.US, Collective Power, and Mutual Flourishing This episode of The Solve Effect features Welcome.US CEO Nazanin Ash, who discusses what safe and legal immigration can look like through the act of welcoming.
The lighter side of immigration: A day at the park in Queens
The lighter side of immigration: A day at the park in Queens Code Switch, produced by NPR, highlights a variety of conversations about race and its impact on society. This episode leaves behind the crisis coverage, telling the story of a New Yorker and the everyday life of an immigrant.
Tangible Acts of Welcome
Tangible Acts of Welcome: Simple Ways to Walk with Newcomers with Krista Kartson
The Hope in Action podcast, hosted Welcome.US VP of Community Building and Engagement, Krista Kartson, to discuss how ordinary people have the power to support newcomers through acts of kindness in their communities.
While the news often focuses on borders and policy, these podcasts remind us that the experiences of those who choose to leave their homes behind in search of a better life is always far more complex than a simple headline.
Pick an episode from this list that piques your interest, and share this list with your friends and loved ones who are looking to move beyond the headlines and build a more welcoming nation.
