Jon Stewart deftly shames Republicans itching to deport the Central American immigrant kids
On Tuesday night's Daily Show, Jon Stewart recapped the situation with the 52,000 kids — most of them escaping poverty and violence in Central America — who have been picked up trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border since October. Then he addressed the Americans wondering why we can't just deport these children: "Well, first of all, what the f--k is wrong with you? These are children, why would you even ask that? And second of all, good question."
The answer, it seems, is that President George W. Bush signed a law in 2008 that prevented the immediate deportation of children not from Canada or Mexico. But Stewart wasn't done shaming those agitating for a quick send-off for a bunch of kids who didn't complete the complicated immigration paperwork. He saved special scorn for the protesters gathering near the detention facilities to confront busloads of scared children to "yell at them in a language they don't understand," and for Texas GOP Reps. Louie Gohmert and Blake Farenthold. He also mocked a long string of Republicans who publicly promote America as the "greatest country ever" then wonder why would-be immigrants believe them.
But Stewart actually ended with a gentler, more sweeping view of the latest immigration crisis: "We have always been a nation of immigrants who hate the newer immigrants," he concluded. Lady Liberty may look like a beacon of hope and freedom, "but the truth is, she's actually a bouncer." --Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Today's political cartoons - April 18, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - impeachment Peanuts, record-breaking temperatures, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Pros and cons of solar energy
Pros and cons Solar power could become the primary source of electricity worldwide by 2050 – but there are still clouds in the forecast
By Rebecca Messina, The Week UK Published
-
Post Office's Capture software to be reviewed over 'glitches'
Speed Read Solicitor representing accused postmasters says flaws in the IT system follow 'very similar pattern' to Horizon
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Mark Menzies: Tories investigate MP after 'bad people' cash claims
Speed Read Fylde MP will sit as an independent while party looks into allegations he misused campaign funds on medical expenses and blackmail pay-out
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Why Johnson won't just pass Ukraine aid
Speed Read The House Speaker could have sent $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine — but it would have split his caucus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Trump's first criminal trial starts with jury picks
Speed Read The former president faces charges related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How will Israel respond to Iran's direct attack?
Speed Read Iran’s weekend attack on Israel could escalate into a wider Middle East war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
US, Israel brace for Iran retaliatory strikes
Speed Read An Iranian attack on Israel is believed to be imminent
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Congress honors real-life Rosie the Riveters
Speed Read These American women reshaped the work force during World War II
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Outgunned Ukraine could fall, US general warns
Speed Read Without more US aid, Ukraine is at risk of losing the war
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published