Zero Tolerance: Jonathan Blitzer Interview
Synopsis
In 2015, Jeff Sessions and Stephen Miller created the "Immigration Handbook for a New Republican Majority" to reshape the GOP's approach to immigration policy.
Synopsis
Jonathan Blitzer, an immigration reporter for The New Yorker, discusses the origins and consequences of the Trump administration's 'Zero Tolerance' policy in an interview with FRONTLINE. He details the role of Jeff Sessions, a key figure in shaping restrictive immigration policies, and his collaboration with Stephen Miller. Blitzer emphasizes that the family separation policy was unprecedented and implemented as a deterrent strategy. This interview is part of FRONTLINE’s Transparency Project, conducted during the production of the October 2019 documentary.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Jeff Sessions, a key figure in immigration policy.
- Find out how family separation became a Trump administration policy.
- See the impact of the 'Immigration Handbook for a New Republican Majority.'
Did You Know
- Jeff Sessions was considered on the outer fringes of the Republican Party.
- In 2013, Sessions attempted to scuttle a comprehensive immigration reform bill that had passed the Senate.
- Stephen Miller was Jeff Sessions' communications aide and helped shape immigration policy.
- The Trump administration was the first to implement family separation as a deterrent to immigration.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jeff Sessions' role in the Senate regarding immigration?
Jeff Sessions was known for scuttling immigration deals and was a restrictionist who aimed to limit legal immigration.
Who was Stephen Miller in relation to Jeff Sessions?
Stephen Miller was Jeff Sessions' communications man, helping to shape policy and messaging on immigration.
Did the Trump administration start the family separation policy?
The Trump administration was the only administration to proactively separate families as a means to deter immigration on a massive scale.
What are people saying?
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