Immigration

Ketaki Deshpande, an instructor in the University of Arkansas’ Department of Communications and an immigrant from Mumbai, India, sits down with Ozarks at Large’s Bridget Baarlaer to share how her time in America has shaped her identity.

On today's show, the Lake Wedington National Recreation Area is finally being upgraded thanks to the help of HistoriCorps and Job Corps. Additionally, a University of Arkansas professor shares her story of moving to northwest Arkansas from India. Plus, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals are hosting a free youth baseball clinic later this month.

Tyson Foods is facing increased scrutiny around alleged workers rights violations both from activists and some of their own investors.

A proposal to enact harsher penalties on undocumented people convicted of crimes has passed a vote in the Arkansas Senate. Senate Bill 426 would add as many as 20 extra years of prison time to sentences of undocumented migrants convicted of some violent crimes.

Lawmakers advanced a bill to raise punishments for people who commit violent crimes based on immigration status on Monday. In addition to automatically increasing sentences for unauthorized migrants convicted of a violent crime, Senate Bill 426 would also require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration officers and forbids cities and counties from adopting sanctuary policies.

A federal crackdown on undocumented migrants is having a ripple effect for people of color across the U.S. Parents of adopted children of color and foreign-born kids worry these new policies could leave their children vulnerable to targeting and racist attacks.

Recent shifts in immigration policy are creating some concern for parents of adopted children. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth talks with parents and an adoption attorney. Also, we learn the growing importance of outdoor recreation for Arkansas’ economy. Plus, a rare bird is generating excitement in Carroll County.

As national immigration policy continues to change- and quickly- immigrants of all backgrounds are facing increased uncertainty and complexity in understanding their rights and accessing support. Local organizations like The Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education, or AIRE for short, are playing a key role in helping individuals navigate these challenges.

A newly formed organization in northwest Arkansas wants to keep immigrants in the region informed. On today’s Ozarks at Large, Sophia Nourani talks with organizers of the Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education. Also, the Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas Business Expo is back again and more extensive this time. Plus, a new book from the University of Arkansas Press explores Asian-American identity through recipes, essays and illustrations.

Fayetteville reaffirmed its stance as a “welcoming city” through a unanimous vote from the city council last week. But what does that mean, exactly? Sophia Nourani speaks with the sponsor of the resolution, Ward 2 council member Sarah Moore, to provide some clarity.