“Closed borders don’t make us safe.” A conversation with journalist John Washington.

In this episode of Nonviolence Radio, we’re joined by journalist and author John Washington to explore the complex realities of immigration, border enforcement, and the human costs of closed borders. Washington draws on decades of research and reporting to challenge common assumptions about migration, arguing that heavy enforcement measures often fail to address the root causes of displacement—climate change, political instability, and economic exploitation.

From the militarization of borders and the rise of surveillance technologies to the human stories behind migration and the moral questions surrounding “who belongs,” Washington examines both the historical and contemporary forces shaping global mobility. He also discusses practical ways listeners can support immigrant communities, from local organizing to principled advocacy, emphasizing that solidarity, awareness, and education are key to fostering more humane and effective immigration policies.