Open Borders

This episode of 99% Invisible explores the concept of borders through historical and contemporary examples, featuring immigration reporter John Washington, author of "The Case for Open Borders." The podcast examines the Berlin Wall and its psychological impact ("wall sickness"), the arbitrary creation of the Radcliffe Line dividing India and Pakistan and its devastating consequences, and Australia's shifting border policies regarding asylum seekers. It argues that borders are not fixed but are selectively permeable and often serve to protect the idea of a nation more than the nation itself. The episode advocates for open borders, highlighting the economic benefits of immigration and challenging the notion that increased border enforcement effectively stops migration, while also noting the unintended consequence of reduced circular migration due to increased border security.