Jose Antonio Vargas
@joseiswriting.bsky.social
Founder of @defineamerican
Co-founder, @1587sneakers
📚: White Is Not a Country, Dear America
🎭: Here Lies love
🎓: Vargas Elementary, CSU Board
Co-founder, @1587sneakers
📚: White Is Not a Country, Dear America
🎭: Here Lies love
🎓: Vargas Elementary, CSU Board
“Most Americans have no culture or education; they only have entertainment.”
—Gore Vidal
—Gore Vidal
November 16, 2025 at 7:28 PM
“Most Americans have no culture or education; they only have entertainment.”
—Gore Vidal
—Gore Vidal
These “yet to be United States of America”—James Baldwin’s phrasing—has forever been in denial about slavery and its central place in US history.
Trump’s MAGA—which followed the Obama era—digs even deeper in denial.
A country cannot change what it refuses to face.
Trump’s MAGA—which followed the Obama era—digs even deeper in denial.
A country cannot change what it refuses to face.
August 20, 2025 at 1:12 AM
These “yet to be United States of America”—James Baldwin’s phrasing—has forever been in denial about slavery and its central place in US history.
Trump’s MAGA—which followed the Obama era—digs even deeper in denial.
A country cannot change what it refuses to face.
Trump’s MAGA—which followed the Obama era—digs even deeper in denial.
A country cannot change what it refuses to face.
Fixing a broken immigration system is possible. And it’s what the people want! Article by Omar G. Encarnación on @nytimes.com
August 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Fixing a broken immigration system is possible. And it’s what the people want! Article by Omar G. Encarnación on @nytimes.com
Today marks my 32nd year in what James Baldwin calls “these yet to be United States.”
We all need to keep talking about solutions to our immigration problems. We cannot keep throwing our own tax dollars—billions of it!
We all need to keep talking about solutions to our immigration problems. We cannot keep throwing our own tax dollars—billions of it!
August 3, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Today marks my 32nd year in what James Baldwin calls “these yet to be United States.”
We all need to keep talking about solutions to our immigration problems. We cannot keep throwing our own tax dollars—billions of it!
We all need to keep talking about solutions to our immigration problems. We cannot keep throwing our own tax dollars—billions of it!
We need real solutions for our broken immigration system from both Democrats and Republicans.
July 24, 2025 at 7:17 PM
We need real solutions for our broken immigration system from both Democrats and Republicans.
Public attitudes toward immigrant enforcement are finally shifting. I spoke about it on PBS NewsHour.
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
July 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Public attitudes toward immigrant enforcement are finally shifting. I spoke about it on PBS NewsHour.
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
#SupermanIsAnImmigrant
They say Superman shouldn’t be political — but he always has been.
Read the full story in @thr.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
They say Superman shouldn’t be political — but he always has been.
Read the full story in @thr.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
July 14, 2025 at 11:31 PM
#SupermanIsAnImmigrant
They say Superman shouldn’t be political — but he always has been.
Read the full story in @thr.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
They say Superman shouldn’t be political — but he always has been.
Read the full story in @thr.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Superman is America’s conscience wearing a cape — and that terrifies MAGA because they’re supporting a real-life Lex Luthor. @thr.com
Read my full piece on the Hollywood Reporter:
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Read my full piece on the Hollywood Reporter:
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Yes, Superman Has Always Been an Immigration Story
Accusations that James Gunn has “politicized” Superman come laughably late, as the world's most famous superhero has always been political, write narrative strategist Andrew Slack and Pulitzer Prize-w...
www.hollywoodreporter.com
July 13, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Superman is America’s conscience wearing a cape — and that terrifies MAGA because they’re supporting a real-life Lex Luthor. @thr.com
Read my full piece on the Hollywood Reporter:
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
Read my full piece on the Hollywood Reporter:
www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie...
In 2012, I stood on the cover of TIME alongside other undocumented immigrants to call attention to a broken immigration system — yet here we are in 2025, still facing fear, attacks, and uncertainty in our communities.
Read the full story:
time.com/7300053/immi...
Read the full story:
time.com/7300053/immi...
July 5, 2025 at 5:57 PM
In 2012, I stood on the cover of TIME alongside other undocumented immigrants to call attention to a broken immigration system — yet here we are in 2025, still facing fear, attacks, and uncertainty in our communities.
Read the full story:
time.com/7300053/immi...
Read the full story:
time.com/7300053/immi...
Honored to be part of Humanity First: Reframing Immigration Through the Lens of Dignity — a virtual panel hosted by The King Center on July 9 with Maria Teresa Kumar and Dr. Bernice A. King.
Join us!
Join us!
July 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Honored to be part of Humanity First: Reframing Immigration Through the Lens of Dignity — a virtual panel hosted by The King Center on July 9 with Maria Teresa Kumar and Dr. Bernice A. King.
Join us!
Join us!
Telling the stories of im/migrants with nuance and complexity has been my life’s work — and it began with my own.
Because of America’s broken immigration system, I was physically separated from my mother and sister for 31 years.
We reunited at last.
Watch our story now: youtu.be/D26-QdVWOXU?...
Because of America’s broken immigration system, I was physically separated from my mother and sister for 31 years.
We reunited at last.
Watch our story now: youtu.be/D26-QdVWOXU?...
May 8, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Telling the stories of im/migrants with nuance and complexity has been my life’s work — and it began with my own.
Because of America’s broken immigration system, I was physically separated from my mother and sister for 31 years.
We reunited at last.
Watch our story now: youtu.be/D26-QdVWOXU?...
Because of America’s broken immigration system, I was physically separated from my mother and sister for 31 years.
We reunited at last.
Watch our story now: youtu.be/D26-QdVWOXU?...
Don Graham — former Washington Post publisher and co-founder of thedream.us — has spent decades advocating for undocumented students who grew up in the U.S. without a clear path to citizenship.
Watch the full episode now on youtube.com/DefineAmerican
Watch the full episode now on youtube.com/DefineAmerican
April 29, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Don Graham — former Washington Post publisher and co-founder of thedream.us — has spent decades advocating for undocumented students who grew up in the U.S. without a clear path to citizenship.
Watch the full episode now on youtube.com/DefineAmerican
Watch the full episode now on youtube.com/DefineAmerican
Unpack America’s interdependence with immigrants in the latest episode: “Could America Survive Without Immigrant Nannies and Caregivers? with Ai-jen Poo"
Now streaming everywhere you get your podcasts www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzp7...
Now streaming everywhere you get your podcasts www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzp7...
Could America Survive Without Immigrant Nannies and Caregivers? With Ai-jen Poo
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
www.youtube.com
April 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Unpack America’s interdependence with immigrants in the latest episode: “Could America Survive Without Immigrant Nannies and Caregivers? with Ai-jen Poo"
Now streaming everywhere you get your podcasts www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzp7...
Now streaming everywhere you get your podcasts www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzp7...
Yes, undocumented people pay taxes. Now the IRS is working w/ DHS to use confidential tax data against them. Don't miss this conversation with law professor Francine Lipman about the devastating impacts of IRS and DHS collaboration on both immigrants and our economy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTC...
April 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Yes, undocumented people pay taxes. Now the IRS is working w/ DHS to use confidential tax data against them. Don't miss this conversation with law professor Francine Lipman about the devastating impacts of IRS and DHS collaboration on both immigrants and our economy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fTC...
Reposted by Jose Antonio Vargas
"We subjugate those who we believe can be scapegoated..."
Listen to my conversation with @joseiswriting.bsky.social about the current political attitudes on immigration.
LINK HERE:
youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
Listen to my conversation with @joseiswriting.bsky.social about the current political attitudes on immigration.
LINK HERE:
youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
March 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
"We subjugate those who we believe can be scapegoated..."
Listen to my conversation with @joseiswriting.bsky.social about the current political attitudes on immigration.
LINK HERE:
youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
Listen to my conversation with @joseiswriting.bsky.social about the current political attitudes on immigration.
LINK HERE:
youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
“The attempt to pit us against one another — it will always fail.” Watch my full conversation with Rep. Lateefah Simon @replsimon.bsky.social youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
Immigrants Are Not the Reason Why Eggs Are Expensive, With Rep. Lateefah Simon
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
youtu.be
March 13, 2025 at 9:05 PM
“The attempt to pit us against one another — it will always fail.” Watch my full conversation with Rep. Lateefah Simon @replsimon.bsky.social youtu.be/0UOOjs4Oyo0?...
What can Democrats do to fight back against Trump's anti-immigrant agenda? I asked the top Democrat on the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal @pramilajayapal.bsky.social @jayapal.house.gov
How House Democrats Can Fight Back, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
youtu.be
March 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
What can Democrats do to fight back against Trump's anti-immigrant agenda? I asked the top Democrat on the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal @pramilajayapal.bsky.social @jayapal.house.gov
Reposted by Jose Antonio Vargas
Glad to be reunited with my friend @joseiswriting.bsky.social to talk about how we can support our communities at home, envision a new narrative for immigration, and support our DREAMers and mixed status families. Look out for our full conversation coming soon!
March 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Glad to be reunited with my friend @joseiswriting.bsky.social to talk about how we can support our communities at home, envision a new narrative for immigration, and support our DREAMers and mixed status families. Look out for our full conversation coming soon!
Tomorrow, I reunite with my mother and sister after 31 years. Migration is more than politics—it’s about people. Watch the full episode www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb34...
Reuniting With Mama — After 31 Years Apart
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
www.youtube.com
February 16, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Tomorrow, I reunite with my mother and sister after 31 years. Migration is more than politics—it’s about people. Watch the full episode www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb34...
I’m 44 today—over 30 years spent fighting to be “legal.” Humanizing the immigrant narrative is my life’s work. For my b-day, subscribe to YouTube.com/defineamerican & share with 4 friends! We’ve got powerful episodes on undocumented artists, deportations, and more. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas is the source for news and conversation about immigration in America today, including politics, media, culture, personal stories, breaking news, and more.
Def...
YouTube.com
February 4, 2025 at 1:27 AM
I’m 44 today—over 30 years spent fighting to be “legal.” Humanizing the immigrant narrative is my life’s work. For my b-day, subscribe to YouTube.com/defineamerican & share with 4 friends! We’ve got powerful episodes on undocumented artists, deportations, and more. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Catch the latest episode of Define American, where Maria Hinojosa and I discuss what the media gets wrong about immigration youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
What the Media Gets Wrong About Immigration With Maria Hinojosa
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
youtu.be
January 30, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Catch the latest episode of Define American, where Maria Hinojosa and I discuss what the media gets wrong about immigration youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
Reposted by Jose Antonio Vargas
If you watch one thing today- watch this thought provoking conversation @defineamerican.bsky.social with @joseiswriting.bsky.social interviewing Maria Hinojosa
youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
What the Media Gets Wrong About Immigration With Maria Hinojosa
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
youtu.be
January 29, 2025 at 6:27 PM
If you watch one thing today- watch this thought provoking conversation @defineamerican.bsky.social with @joseiswriting.bsky.social interviewing Maria Hinojosa
youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
youtu.be/OGc5IEvSI_c
Last week, I joined a panel on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip. Ashley Allison shared that I was the first undocumented person she met as a public servant.
She made an important point: when you understand people’s stories and humanize them, they stop being reduced to stereotypes.
She made an important point: when you understand people’s stories and humanize them, they stop being reduced to stereotypes.
January 27, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Last week, I joined a panel on CNN NewsNight with Abby Phillip. Ashley Allison shared that I was the first undocumented person she met as a public servant.
She made an important point: when you understand people’s stories and humanize them, they stop being reduced to stereotypes.
She made an important point: when you understand people’s stories and humanize them, they stop being reduced to stereotypes.
Reposted by Jose Antonio Vargas
Fellow Fil-Am @joseiswriting.bsky.social reminds us undocumented #immigrants caught in deportation frenzy are the very people who deliver your DoorDash in the middle of blizzard, provide strawberries in your salad, lettuce in your hamburgers & do everything you don't want to do. #immigration
“So when the Speaker of the House says dollar for dollar investment, what are we actually talking about” @joseiswriting.bsky.social debunks Speaker Johnson’s assertions that undocumented immigrants commit high rates of crimes.
January 25, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Fellow Fil-Am @joseiswriting.bsky.social reminds us undocumented #immigrants caught in deportation frenzy are the very people who deliver your DoorDash in the middle of blizzard, provide strawberries in your salad, lettuce in your hamburgers & do everything you don't want to do. #immigration
In the latest Define American episode, I’m joined by @paolamendoza.bsky.social to discuss the state of the resistance and the power of art in social change. Paola co-founded the 2017 Women’s March and is a filmmaker, author, and more.
Catch the full episode: youtu.be/Ob1OHE5EORo
Catch the full episode: youtu.be/Ob1OHE5EORo
How Artists, Activists, and Parents Can Respond to Trump's Immigration Agenda w/ Paola Mendoza
YouTube video by Define American with Jose Antonio Vargas
youtu.be
January 25, 2025 at 2:52 AM
In the latest Define American episode, I’m joined by @paolamendoza.bsky.social to discuss the state of the resistance and the power of art in social change. Paola co-founded the 2017 Women’s March and is a filmmaker, author, and more.
Catch the full episode: youtu.be/Ob1OHE5EORo
Catch the full episode: youtu.be/Ob1OHE5EORo