8/29/25

Part 3: Flipping the Algorithm—Global Lessons, Media Myths, and a Path Forward

The conversation widens to a global and historical view: Canada and Australia's more welcoming immigration postures, and the surprising history of the 1850s "Know-Nothing" movement, which — contrary to its reputation — actually favored more immigration, just less immediate political power for immigrants. Anbinder turns to the media's role in fueling fear, describing how algorithms reward the most extreme framing of immigration stories (like the "migrant caravan" coverage) regardless of actual scale or context. The episode closes with Curry and Anbinder reflecting on what faith communities most need from historians and academics — and how churches might help "flip the algorithm" toward a more accurate, humane public conversation.

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Part 2: Beyond Status Anxiety—Debunking the Myths of American Immigration