November 18, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode

Under President Trump, American immigration policy has been in the spotlight. While Trump may talk the most about stopping illegal entry into the U.S., he is also taking action to reduce the volume of legal migrants the country accepts as refugees. But what makes one immigrant a refugee and another simply a migrant? Writer Dina Nayeri offers her humble opinion questioning that distinction.

Renowned 19th century American artist Winslow Homer began his journey in marine painting with a trip to Europe, following his well-known work documenting the frontlines of the Civil War as an illustrator. But it was back in the U.S., and specifically on the shores of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where Homer became “enchanted” with land, sea and sky. Jared Bowen of PBS station WGBH in Boston reports.

Police in Hong Kong have tightened their siege on the campus of the Polytechnic University, where hundreds of protesters are trapped inside. It’s the latest bout of violence in nearly six months of demonstrations -- one China is warning it won't let go too far. Nick Schifrin reports and talks to Kurt Tong, former U.S. consul general to Hong Kong, about the protesters’ strategy and U.S. response.

In our news wrap Monday, Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard warned protesters they will face “decisive” action if nationwide unrest does not stop. Angered by a 50 percent hike in gasoline prices, people occupied streets and set fire to cars and buildings this weekend. Also, in Iraq, anti-government protesters seized a major bridge in Baghdad, vowing to stay until a new government tackles reform.

Last Friday, President Trump intervened in the legal cases of three U.S. service members accused of war crimes. Against the advice of the Pentagon, Trump pardoned two of the men and reinstated the rank of the third. The moves reignited a debate over justice in war and the military’s legal system. Lt. Col. Rachel E. VanLandingham and Lt. Col. Colonel David Gurfein join William Brangham to discuss.

President Trump says he will consider testifying on his own behalf in the impeachment inquiry. Former U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, career State Department official Jennifer Williams, departing National Security Council official Tim Morrison and National Security Council official Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman are scheduled to appear Tuesday. Yamiche Alcindor joins Amna Nawaz to discuss.

NPR’s Tamara Keith and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including Pete Buttigieg’s surge in Iowa, former Vice President Joe Biden’s lead in South Carolina polls, Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s health care plan update and what another Democratic gubernatorial upset in Louisiana means for President Trump in 2020.