ESL For Equality Podcast

Season 2, Episode 11: Happy World Refugee Day!

In honor of World Refugee Day 2025, Hannah explores the day’s history, this year’s theme Solidarity with Refugees, and why it matters now more than ever. She highlights trailblazers like Luma Mufleh and Omar Bah, outlines ways to celebrate meaningfully, and urges listeners to turn awareness into action through advocacy and support. Host: Hannah Joos Original Opening/Closing Music: Michael Caskey aka Bunny Patootie Resources: Luma Mufleh Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/luma_mufleh_don_t_feel_sorry_for_refugees_believe_in_them?language=en UNHCR We Were Here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbpi6ZahtOH7c6nDA9YG3QcyRGbZ4xDFn Emi Mahmoud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av77E3le9ho Flee Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgj7DUEtfg0 We Dare to Dream Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KvH55DDNzQ Peace by Chocolate Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YN5ZXrCkik Salam Neighbor Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6SxPSZVD9o

Season 2, Episode 10: A New Travel Ban and the Criminalization of Protest

In this episode of ESL for Equality, Hannah examines the reinstatement of the U.S. travel ban under the Trump administration. She unpacks the policy’s legal and historical context, its far-reaching human impact, and why the latest version has been crafted to withstand judicial scrutiny. Hannah also turns to what’s unfolding on the ground in Los Angeles, where the federal deployment of National Guard troops to support immigration raids has sparked mass protests, arrests, and a national outcry. Call to Action: Engage with local advocacy efforts to support those impacted by the travel ban. Connect with community organizations, participate in events, and offer support to individuals affected. Your involvement can help uphold the values of inclusion and justice. Host: Hannah Joos Original Music: Michael Caskey aka Bunny Patootie, Semo, ABE

Season 2, Episode 9: Human Rights on the Chopping Block

In this episode of ESL for Equality, Hannah unpacks Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s testimony before Congress and the Trump administration’s shocking FY26 budget proposal. From massive cuts to refugee support and global health programs to the complete dismantling of human rights offices, we examine how this budget isn’t just lean, it’s lethal. Call to Action: Support frontline global health and refugee organizations like Partners In Health, Doctors Without Borders, CARE, International Rescue Committee, Women for Women International who are doing the work the U.S. government is walking away from.

Season 2, Episode 8: A Flight into Chaos: Deportations and the Collapse of Due Process

In this episode of ESL for Equality, host Hannah unpacks a shocking and illegal deportation carried out by the Trump administration, sending eight men, most of whom were not South Sudanese, to one of the most dangerous and unstable countries in the world. We explore what happened, how it violated a federal court order, and why deporting people to a country engulfed in famine, flooding, and conflict sets a terrifying precedent for U.S. immigration policy. Call to Action: Support legal defense. Organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center and Human Rights First are fighting to protect due process for immigrants facing deportation. If you can, donate or share their work because legal aid saves lives. Host: Hannah Joos Original Music: Michael Caskey aka Bunny Patootie

Season 2, Episode 7: Revoked TPS for Afghans and the Cost of American Abandonment

In this episode of ESL for Equality, we dig into the Trump administration’s decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals, just three years after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and left many of its allies behind. We explore the history of TPS, the chaotic 2021 exit, and how this policy shift puts thousands of Afghans at risk of deportation to a country still ruled by the Taliban. We contrast this with the recent welcoming of white South African “refugees” and ask: Who gets protection in America and why? Call to Action: - Call your members of Congress. Demand they support permanent protections for Afghans — including pathways to citizenship for TPS holders and SIV applicants. - Support legal aid organizations like the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) and the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO), who are fighting for TPS holders and helping with asylum claims. - Write an op-ed. Talk to your local paper. Use your voice. Policy changes when people make noise. - Donate to mutual aid funds that support Afghan families facing eviction, job loss, or legal uncertainty. - Talk about this. Share this episode. Talk to your friends, your family. Make sure people understand this isn’t just a political decision — it’s a moral crisis. This is about justice and it’s not too late to act. Host: Hannah Joos Original Music: Michael Caskey aka Bunny Patootie