The World from PRX

Walls We Don't See

The proposal to build a more expansive wall along the US-Mexico border is one of the more repeated vows of the Donald Trump presidency. The argument goes that a physical barrier will, naturally, block would-be migrants from coming to the US. At the same time, other walls already exist — not as easily seen by the wider public. They come in many forms, including no-fly lists and limits placed on certain visas, as well as rising costs and sheer difficulty.With every type of visa and travel document, there are rules that allow some people in and keep others out. These barriers can exist far from the US border, or deep within the country.The reality is, these invisible walls can be even tougher to breach than concrete slabs for people who are trying to visit or live in the US, lawfully or not. These are stories about people who come up against these walls and defeat them — or are stopped in their tracks. Edited by Angilee Shah, Monica Campbell, Alex Newman, Marnette Federis and Jonathan Kealing. Series illustration by Sam Ward and graphic art by Dan Carino, with interactive design by Kuang Keng Kuek Ser.[[entity_id:"172744" entity_type:"node" entity_title:"Walls we don't see Newsletter"]][[entity_id:"172797" entity_type:"node" entity_title:"Humanity United"]]
Woman in crowd looking at camera
Global Politics
Liberia was founded by people enslaved in the US. Advocates say the US should not end an immigration program that helps them.
Someone waves goodbye to a bus and a speech bubble says "Bye! Have fun with grandma!" in this cartoon.
Culture
A family tries to immigrate to the US, but first, they must live separate lives
School project of child's hand prints with poem, "When I'm grown and far away, these little hands with you will stay"
Justice
As Trump ends Obama-era protections for Salvadorans, a family in Minnesota has few good options to stay together
Blurry image of woman in pink hodded sweatshirt standing in front of window, with reflection of trees
Conflict
With smuggling costs skyrocketing, parents balance risk and debt for their children’s future
In this cartoon, a young boy is swinging from monkey bars and a piece of paperwork from Immigration is at his right
Global Politics
As US ends immigration programs, a mother and son wonder if they’ll ever be together again
Woman putting bills in public bus machine, with windshield behind her
Justice
She escaped violence in El Salvador, but there’s little time or resources to heal while seeking asylum in the US
A woman holding a baby waits in line, above an open helping hand is extended.
Conflict
Make your way through the maze of seeking asylum in the US
A woman is leaning on a fence, gazing over the water toward the Statue of Liberty
Economics
Follow along: Forms, fees and an interview for a US Diversity Lottery Program ‘winner’
In this cartoon, a frowning boy in a pointed birthday hat sits in front of a cake with '21' written on it.
Justice
You’re a young student and your visa is tied to your parents. You’re about to age out. What do you do next?
Woman hugs man in evening scene in front of building
Education
The children of H-1B visa holders are growing up — and still waiting for green cards
Two woman stand in kitchen, one older and one younger looking at her phone
Global Politics
After 17 years of ‘legal life’ in the US, a family considers its next move
Woman sitting at table holding certificate, smiling
Global Politics
Proposed changes to the H-1B visa program could put many women back into a ‘golden cage’
Passengers walk past Air Canada planes on the runway at Pearson International Airport in Toronto April 13, 2012.
Global Politics
The US has been expanding the role, number and power of its border agents abroad
Boy sitting on cream sofa holding child's drawing, looking at it
Global Politics
A 3-year-old held up by Canada’s no-fly list? His parents say it’s ‘ridiculous.’
WhatsApp and Facebook messenger icons are seen on an iPhone in Manchester , Britain March 27, 2017.
Global Politics
The new DHS plan to gather social media information has privacy advocates up in arms