Austin Kocher, PhD
@austinkocher.com
I study immigration enforcement. Assistant Professor at Syracuse University and Research Fellow at the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University. https://linktr.ee/austinkocher
The latest episode of This American Life features the story of Jenni and Fidel Rivera and their daughters, Mackenzie and Bella. Fidel, as they work up to Fidel’s self-deportation and family separation. 💔 Start at 18:11.
www.thisamericanlife.org/874/under-on...
www.thisamericanlife.org/874/under-on...
Under One Roof - This American Life
Behind closed doors with two families.
www.thisamericanlife.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
The latest episode of This American Life features the story of Jenni and Fidel Rivera and their daughters, Mackenzie and Bella. Fidel, as they work up to Fidel’s self-deportation and family separation. 💔 Start at 18:11.
www.thisamericanlife.org/874/under-on...
www.thisamericanlife.org/874/under-on...
Texas now accounts for 25% of all ICE arrests in the country. Arrests have doubled under Trump, and most of those picked up have no criminal record. This is interior enforcement on overdrive.
Read more here: www.texasgopvote.com/economy/new-...
Read more here: www.texasgopvote.com/economy/new-...
New data shows 1 in 4 ICE arrests happened in Texas under Trump’s immigration crackdown
Authored by Uriel J. Garcia and originally published on texastribune.orgOn the evening of July 1, Luis Medrano called Houston police for help after his wife had gotten violent and punched him twice…
www.texasgopvote.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Texas now accounts for 25% of all ICE arrests in the country. Arrests have doubled under Trump, and most of those picked up have no criminal record. This is interior enforcement on overdrive.
Read more here: www.texasgopvote.com/economy/new-...
Read more here: www.texasgopvote.com/economy/new-...
Self-deportation isn’t a choice when the system traps you.Two U.S. women share what it’s like to lose their husbands under today’s policies.Families shouldn’t have to choose between home and each other.
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
"We're Being Robbed of Time"
The Department of Homeland Security claims 1.6 million people have "self-deported" from the U.S. But what happens to the families left behind?
wearethemeteor.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Self-deportation isn’t a choice when the system traps you.Two U.S. women share what it’s like to lose their husbands under today’s policies.Families shouldn’t have to choose between home and each other.
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
Full story here: wearethemeteor.com/self-deporta...
The shutdown may be over, but SNAP delays mean many New Yorkers still aren’t getting benefits. Food pantries are seeing longer lines and more people struggling with rising costs. @documentedny.bsky.social @rojeda.bsky.social
Read more: documentedny.com/2025/11/14/s...
Read more: documentedny.com/2025/11/14/s...
New Yorkers Are Still Going Hungry from SNAP Delays
Because SNAP benefits are issued a month in advance, many won’t see relief until well after the government reopens. Meanwhile, food pantries say the need for food has intensified even more.
documentedny.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The shutdown may be over, but SNAP delays mean many New Yorkers still aren’t getting benefits. Food pantries are seeing longer lines and more people struggling with rising costs. @documentedny.bsky.social @rojeda.bsky.social
Read more: documentedny.com/2025/11/14/s...
Read more: documentedny.com/2025/11/14/s...
The Carlisle Borough Council approved a new ordinance (6–1) confirming that local police won’t handle civil immigration enforcement. Services also won’t depend on citizenship status. Mayor Sean Schultz backed the decision. @pennlive.com
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Carlisle Council approves controversial immigration ordinance
The 6-1 vote follows months of heated debate, with supporters calling it a human rights stand while the lone dissenter warns of potential federal funding risks.
www.pennlive.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Carlisle Borough Council approved a new ordinance (6–1) confirming that local police won’t handle civil immigration enforcement. Services also won’t depend on citizenship status. Mayor Sean Schultz backed the decision. @pennlive.com
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
Link: www.pennlive.com/news/2025/11...
ICE arrests in Kentucky are up nearly 40% this year, driven in part by financial incentives and expanding 287(g) agreements. Over 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
Driven by financial incentives, Kentucky ICE arrests ramp up
Yet, more than 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
www.forwardky.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
ICE arrests in Kentucky are up nearly 40% this year, driven in part by financial incentives and expanding 287(g) agreements. Over 70% of those arrested had no criminal conviction.
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
@forwardky.bsky.social
Read about it here: www.forwardky.com/driven-by-fi...
U.S. Catholic Bishops say we need meaningful immigration reform and that dignity and security aren’t opposing goals. Catholics, what are your thoughts?
Read more about it: www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Read more about it: www.wfaa.com/article/news...
U.S. bishops issue forceful message on immigration, decry deportations and political hostility
The bishops’ statement also calls for "meaningful immigration reform," insisting that human dignity and national security are not in conflict.
www.wfaa.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:57 PM
U.S. Catholic Bishops say we need meaningful immigration reform and that dignity and security aren’t opposing goals. Catholics, what are your thoughts?
Read more about it: www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Read more about it: www.wfaa.com/article/news...
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
Human Rights First finds ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Trump Administration Conducts 10,067 Immigration Enforcement Flights in Less Than 10 Months
ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
ICE conducted record deportation and shuffle flights in ten months, chaotically transferring people between detention centers and deporting them to more countries.
austinkocher.substack.com/p/trump-admi...
Politicians posing with prisoners isn't new. This article traces its 100-year history as a "tough on crime" political prop.
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Using detainees and prisoners as photo props has a long history in American politics
Photos and video of immigrants in custody have been a hallmark of President Donald Trump’s administration, and illustrate his agenda to crack down on immigration.
www.wsls.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Politicians posing with prisoners isn't new. This article traces its 100-year history as a "tough on crime" political prop.
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Read more: www.wsls.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
If you or someone you know is in a mixed-status relationship and would like to connect with others who share this unique experience, reach out to me so I can introduce you to our community.
afuaction.org
americanfamiliesunited.org
afuaction.org
americanfamiliesunited.org
AFU Action is a 501(c)(4).
afuaction.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
If you or someone you know is in a mixed-status relationship and would like to connect with others who share this unique experience, reach out to me so I can introduce you to our community.
afuaction.org
americanfamiliesunited.org
afuaction.org
americanfamiliesunited.org
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
The American Business Immigration Coalition has been an incredible partner for American Families United and AFU Action. We joined a mingle with them that reminded us of what we have in common: our shared commitment to fixing immigration policies to support American businesses and American families.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The American Business Immigration Coalition has been an incredible partner for American Families United and AFU Action. We joined a mingle with them that reminded us of what we have in common: our shared commitment to fixing immigration policies to support American businesses and American families.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
We also met with Democrat Dick Durbin, who has been a steadfast champion for AFU families and he believes in working across the aisle to support the rights of US citizens and their spouses.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
We also met with Democrat Dick Durbin, who has been a steadfast champion for AFU families and he believes in working across the aisle to support the rights of US citizens and their spouses.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
We met with Republican John Moolenaar from Michigan. We've been in conversation with Rep Moolenaar for years, and we are hopeful that he will be a champion for the AFU Act soon! If Moolenaar is your representative, let him know you believe in common sense fixes to keep families together.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
We met with Republican John Moolenaar from Michigan. We've been in conversation with Rep Moolenaar for years, and we are hopeful that he will be a champion for the AFU Act soon! If Moolenaar is your representative, let him know you believe in common sense fixes to keep families together.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
Thanks to our partners at ABIC and years of organizing ourselves, we held productive conversations with people like Republican Chuck Grassley, who was moved by the stories of US citizens harmed by our immigration system.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Thanks to our partners at ABIC and years of organizing ourselves, we held productive conversations with people like Republican Chuck Grassley, who was moved by the stories of US citizens harmed by our immigration system.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
No single political party is responsible for failing our US citizen members, and no single political party will be capable of solving this problem alone. It will take Republicans and Democrats working together to protect the rights of our members.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
No single political party is responsible for failing our US citizen members, and no single political party will be capable of solving this problem alone. It will take Republicans and Democrats working together to protect the rights of our members.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
Daniel, Erica, Julie, and Lucia showed up to bring the energy and hard work it takes to meet with so many offices, mostly Republicans, over just a few short days. You may already know Julie. Her husband, Nef, left the U.S. just days ago, choosing family separation over fear of what could happen.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Daniel, Erica, Julie, and Lucia showed up to bring the energy and hard work it takes to meet with so many offices, mostly Republicans, over just a few short days. You may already know Julie. Her husband, Nef, left the U.S. just days ago, choosing family separation over fear of what could happen.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
We come from all walks of life, from all over America. We carry with us a simple belief in the sacredness of marriage and family, and an investment in the future so that young Andrew's generation doesn't have to keep fighting this same fight.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
We come from all walks of life, from all over America. We carry with us a simple belief in the sacredness of marriage and family, and an investment in the future so that young Andrew's generation doesn't have to keep fighting this same fight.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
Most important of all, I want to give a huge shout-out to the members who joined us to tell their stories with a scrappy conviction that refuses to take "no" for an answer. None of us are activists. We're simply dedicated spouses trying to keep the people we love at home rather than separated.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Most important of all, I want to give a huge shout-out to the members who joined us to tell their stories with a scrappy conviction that refuses to take "no" for an answer. None of us are activists. We're simply dedicated spouses trying to keep the people we love at home rather than separated.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
The problem is simple: a legal loophole created during the Clinton admin allows spouses of citizens to be deported even if they have zero criminal history and have been in the country for literally decades. The AFU Act would give judges the ability to allow spouses to stay on a case-by-case basis.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The problem is simple: a legal loophole created during the Clinton admin allows spouses of citizens to be deported even if they have zero criminal history and have been in the country for literally decades. The AFU Act would give judges the ability to allow spouses to stay on a case-by-case basis.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
Most people are not aware that marrying a U.S. citizen doesn't automatically grant someone citizenship, and could be deported. This is no small problem: around 1.4 million US citizens could become separated from their loved ones overnight or be forced to live in exile outside the country.
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Most people are not aware that marrying a U.S. citizen doesn't automatically grant someone citizenship, and could be deported. This is no small problem: around 1.4 million US citizens could become separated from their loved ones overnight or be forced to live in exile outside the country.
Reposted by Austin Kocher, PhD
If you care about keeping American families together, here's an important update about the AFU Act. We returned from Washington DC recently where 30 AFU Action members spent 3 days on Capitol Hill talking to nearly 60 representatives about what the AFU Act would mean for our families. 🧵
November 12, 2025 at 4:33 PM
If you care about keeping American families together, here's an important update about the AFU Act. We returned from Washington DC recently where 30 AFU Action members spent 3 days on Capitol Hill talking to nearly 60 representatives about what the AFU Act would mean for our families. 🧵
Many believe reducing immigration will help American workers. The data shows the opposite. Immigrants drive growth, fill essential jobs, boost innovation, and help keep Social Security solvent. Econofact breaks it down clearly. @econofact.bsky.social
Read more: econofact.org/how-tighter-...
Read more: econofact.org/how-tighter-...
How Tighter Curbs on Immigration Impact the U.S. Economy | Econofact
Immigration has accounted for almost half of U.S. labor force growth since 1995. Slower labor force growth would negatively impact employment and GDP growth.
econofact.org
November 13, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Many believe reducing immigration will help American workers. The data shows the opposite. Immigrants drive growth, fill essential jobs, boost innovation, and help keep Social Security solvent. Econofact breaks it down clearly. @econofact.bsky.social
Read more: econofact.org/how-tighter-...
Read more: econofact.org/how-tighter-...
Over the course of Trump’s first term and the first nine months of his second term, the Trump Organization’s visa requests increased from 121 in 2021 to 184 in 2025, according to Forbes. @thehill.com
Read more here: thehill.com/business/560...
Read more here: thehill.com/business/560...
Trump organization requested record number of foreign workers in 2025
The Trump Organization requested 184 foreign workers to work across various company properties, a record number that has increased over the years. The company sought to hire workers through H-2A an…
thehill.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Over the course of Trump’s first term and the first nine months of his second term, the Trump Organization’s visa requests increased from 121 in 2021 to 184 in 2025, according to Forbes. @thehill.com
Read more here: thehill.com/business/560...
Read more here: thehill.com/business/560...
615 people arrested by ICE this summer in Chicago must be released, a federal judge ruled, saying long-term residents can’t be held without bond.
Read more about it here: www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Read more about it here: www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Judge says he’ll order release of hundreds of people arrested under feds’ deportation blitz
The 615 detainees are from a list of roughly 1,800 arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Chicago area between June 11 and Oct. 7, and there could be more to come.
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:18 AM
615 people arrested by ICE this summer in Chicago must be released, a federal judge ruled, saying long-term residents can’t be held without bond.
Read more about it here: www.wbez.org/immigration/...
Read more about it here: www.wbez.org/immigration/...
It is crucial to understand that a tragic number of people dangerously believe that the word "freedom" means not the expansion of freedom for others, but the freedom for themselves to oppress others, to control others, and to force their beliefs on others.
November 13, 2025 at 5:28 AM
It is crucial to understand that a tragic number of people dangerously believe that the word "freedom" means not the expansion of freedom for others, but the freedom for themselves to oppress others, to control others, and to force their beliefs on others.