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.
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2009 Writers Guild Awards Screen Nominees Announced

The Writers Guild of America | Jan 07, 2009

Immigration Officials Held US Citizen for Two Weeks

Los Angeles Times | Oct 28, 2008

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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?


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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 

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