The Visitor
About the Film
In a world of six billion people, it only takes one to change your life. In actor and filmmaker Tom McCarthy’s follow-up to his award winning directorial debut The Station Agent, Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) stars as a disillusioned Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter in New York City.
In the News
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No Passports, No Freedom of Movement for Many Mexican-Americans
New American Media | September 23, 2008
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Caught in the Citizenship Backlog
Feet in 2 Worlds | September 22, 2008
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Top 10 performances you're underestimating for Oscar
InContention.com | September 16, 2008
Reactions
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“Jenkins is like that: He sneaks up on you and steals your heart with light-fingered skill.”
Carrie Rickey | The Philadelphia Inquirer
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“It's about interesting people worth caring about, and it's a feel-good movie despite ... the fact that it's not all tied up in a neat bow.”
Teresa Budasi | Universal Press Syndicate
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“The Visitor is a small movie, but its emotions could not be writ any larger.”
Rene Rodriguez | The Miami Herald
Gallery
Without a Day in Court
In The Visitor, an American college professor and a young immigrant couple grapple with the treatment of immigrants and the legal process post-9/11. After that tragedy, authorities arrested and detained over 1,200 people in connection with terrorism. But their identities, whereabouts and the actual charges brought against them were withheld from their families, the media and the public. For a nation built by immigrants on the guiding principle of justice for all, the questions of due process, detention and deportation of refugees and immigrants has become a hotly-debated topic. Are we willing to restrict due process for non-Americans to keep America’s borders safe—and how far are we willing to go?
Take Action Now
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Connect with Others by Exploring the Issues
Use a Visitor discussion guide for education, recruitment, advovacy, organizing or training.
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Protect Immigrants from Unlawful Raids
Support the upcoming Protect Citizens and Residents from Unlawful Raids and Detention Act—which ensures that any person targeted by an immigration enforcement action is afforded full rights under U.S. law.
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Attend a Screening
Watch The Visitor in a city near you.
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Watch The Visitor Filmmaker Tom McCarthy Connect the Movie to the Issues
Watch the ACLU's interview of Tom McCarthy about post-9/11 immigration and detention issues.
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Connect with the Facts
Delve Deeper into the Issues of Migration and Detention.
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Connect with Real-Life Visitors
View Oral Histories. Locate and Support Detainees Near You.
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Get a Virtual Connection to the Immigrant Experience
Play the ICED Video Game
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Lawyers: Connect with Experts Who Represent Detainees
Attend a Training Seminar
Alliances