Jersey Works is a four-part documentary podcast that explores one of the country's biggest contradictions: while political rhetoric focuses on deterring immigration, the U.S. economy increasingly depends on foreign-born workers. This series guides listeners through the surprising ins and outs of the American immigration story through intimate reporting and honest conversations. Together we learn that the story of immigration is the story of who keeps America running.
In this final episode of Jersey Works, we break down the critical role of immigration in shaping America's economic future amidst political challenges. We discuss labor shortages, innovative immigration policies, and the importance of fostering welcoming communities, especially in New Jersey.
Guests:
Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
Shihab Kuran — Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Power Edison and Petra Solar
Hosts:
Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
28 Sept 2026
The Cost of Fear
In this episode, we explore the profound impact of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies on the economy and local communities. We highlight personal stories, expert analyses, and the broader implications these policies have on workers, employers, and societal trust.
Guests:
Marisol Conde-Hernandez — Immigration Lawyer
Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
Megan Chambers — President of the SEIU NJ State Council and Co-Manager of the LDFS Joint Board Workers United SEIU
Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives
Evelyn Saz — Lead Organizer, National Domestic Workers Alliance, NJ
Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
Hosts:
Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
28 Sept 2026
Immigrants Get the Job Done
From hospitals to board rooms, immigrants fill the labor gaps that are widening across the country. This episode gives a $1.3 billion reality check. We examine the complex relationship between a immigrants and labor, highlighting their crucial role across various sectors and the misguided narratives about the U.S. workforce. We speak with experts, success stories, and policymakers to shed light on how immigrant contributions fuel economic growth despite societal challenges.
Guests:
Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate.
Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
Evelyn Saz — Lead Organizer, National Domestic Workers Alliance, NJ
Andre Sayegh — Mayor of Paterson, NJ
Farhanna Sayegh — Cross-cultural Communications Consultant, First Lady of Paterson, NJ
Nicholas Montalto — NJ Business Immigration Coalition, Co-founder & Coordinator
Shihab Kuran— Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Power Edison and Petra Solar
Marisol Conde-Hernandez — Immigration Lawyer Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives
Hosts:
Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
28 Sept 2026
Changing the Narrative
In this episode of Jersey Works, hosts Julie Winokur and Tim Raphael discuss the critical, but often overlooked impact of immigrant labor on the US economy. They focus on New Jersey as a role model, which punches well above its weight economically while boasting one of the highest foreign-born population.s in the country. From Alexander Hamilton and the origins of industrialization to today's anti-immigrant rhetoric, discover how immigration policies have shaped, and continue to influence, economic growth and social diversity.
Guests:
Jeanne Batalova — Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute; Manager, Migration Data Hub
Patricia Campos-Medina — Labor Activist/Educator, Executive Director of the Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and 2024 Senate candidate
Peter Chen — Senior Policy Analyst, NJ Policy Perspectives
Ramya Devan — Associate Professor and Chair of Economics, Stockton University
Angelica Santamauro — Executive Director, American Museum of Labor History (Botto House, Paterson)
Andre Sayegh — Mayor of Paterson, NJ
Hosts:
Julie Winokur — Founder/Executive Director of Talking Eyes Media; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
Tim Raphael — Professor in the Department of Arts, Culture and Media, and former Director of the Center for Migration and the Global City at Rutgers-Newark University; Co-founder/Director of Newest Americans
8 Sept 2026
Jersey Works Trailer
So you think you know a lot about immigration? Think again. Jersey Works tells the story of the past, present and future of our conflicted relationship to foreign-born workers, and it does so with nuance, humor and deep expertise. This podcast places immigrants where they belong: at the center of the U.S. economy.
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