Ep 1. Immigration
- July 26, 2006
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7.8 (74)
In 30 Days season 2 episode 1, titled "Immigration," the show's creator Morgan Spurlock takes viewers on a journey through the complex and often controversial issue of immigration in the United States.
Spurlock spends 30 days living and working with a family of undocumented immigrants in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The family consists of a father, mother, and their two children. The father works as a day laborer and the mother works as a house cleaner. Neither parent has legal status in the US.
Spurlock immerses himself in the family's daily routine, which includes waking up at dawn to go to work and returning home late at night to take care of their children. He learns about the challenges they face, such as the constant fear of deportation and the difficulty of accessing basic services like healthcare and education.
Throughout the episode, Spurlock navigates the emotions and opinions of the family, their friends and advocates, and others who are opposed to immigration. He sheds light on the complex and often contradictory policies and regulations that govern immigration in the US.
The episode includes interviews with lawyers, scholars, and politicians, as well as members of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).
The family shares their stories of leaving their home country and coming to the United States in search of a better life. Spurlock witnesses their struggles with language barriers, cultural differences, and the fear of not being able to provide for their family.
As the 30 days come to an end, Spurlock reflects on what he has learned and how it has changed his perspective on immigration. The episode ends with a powerful message about the importance of empathy and understanding in the immigration debate.
Overall, "Immigration" is a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of a complex topic that affects millions of people in the United States. It offers a unique perspective on the everyday realities of life as an undocumented immigrant and challenges viewers to consider their own preconceptions about immigration policy.