So far this year officials at the southern border have encountered over two million people trying to enter America. The actual number crossing is likely to be much higher. Two thousand miles north, New York’s mayor has declared a state of emergency. 20,000 migrants have arrived in the city, bused there by politicians further south. Is there a solution to this intractable problem? And will immigration lose Democrats votes in the midterms?

The Economist’s Alexandra Suich Bass assesses the problems at the border. We go back to a surprisingly pro-immigration president. And The Economist’s Jon Fasman speaks to asylum-seekers in New York.

John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon.

On Thursday October 27th subscribers can join the Checks and Balance team for a live Q&A discussion about the midterms. We’ll be exploring the most heated races, considering what their outcomes might mean for America and answering your questions. Sign up now at economist.com/checkswebinar.

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