Aziz Ansari’s Joke About Carrying His Passport Reflects Tensions in U.S. Immigration Policies
An American actor and comedian of Indian descent, Aziz Ansari, recently made a humorous comment about carrying his passport everywhere, highlighting the growing anxiety among immigrants and citizens alike due to the current administration’s strict immigration policies.
This year, the administration of former President Donald Trump has been implementing a ‘hardline’ approach to deportation, targeting thousands of immigrants. According to reports, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported nearly 200,000 individuals since January. This policy has drawn widespread criticism and has led to mass protests across the country. The government claims the initiative aims to remove suspected illegal immigrants, whom it describes as ‘poisoning the blood of the country.’ However, the process has also resulted in the wrongful detention and deportation of American citizens.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Aziz Ansari addressed the issue with his signature humor. When asked about the possibility of moving to London after marrying his wife, Danish data scientist Serena Skov Campbell, in 2022, he mentioned that he hasn’t been in Los Angeles for a while. 
Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Aziz’s parents were Muslim immigrants from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He joked about being nervous and carrying his passport at all times, noting that some of his friends are hiding their nannies in the basement and are unsure what to do next. 
He continued: “I’m on edge, man. I’m carrying my passport all the time, just in case people haven’t seen the shows, you know? Although I do think it would be amazing if they did grab me, ’cause there’d be an incredible viral video where all these people are like, ‘Oh my god, that’s the guy from Parks and Rec… he made Master of None. Oh my god, they’re arresting (Pakistani-American actor) Kumail Nanjiani!’”
While his jokes brought laughter from the audience, the interview later took a more serious tone when Aziz was questioned about a recent controversy involving his participation in the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia.
Controversy Over Participation in Saudi Arabia’s Comedy Festival
Last month, Aziz, 42, joined over 50 comedians at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia. Other participants included Jimmy Carr, Jack Whitehall, Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Bill Burr, Jessica Kirson, and Pete Davidson. 
However, the event faced intense backlash, with Human Rights Watch criticizing it as a tool used by the Saudi government to divert attention from its human rights abuses. The kingdom has been under scrutiny for its restrictions on freedom of speech, use of the death penalty, and limitations on women’s rights.
Jimmy Kimmel questioned Aziz about his decision to perform at the festival. “Why did you decide to do that?” he asked.
Aziz responded that he had carefully considered his choice. He mentioned that he spoke to his aunt, who lived in Saudi Arabia, and she shared that not everyone in the country supports the government’s actions. “Just like people in America who don’t agree with what the government is doing here,” he said.
When asked if he had interacted with any government officials, Aziz clarified that he was only there to perform. He added that he hopes the comedy festival could encourage more openness in the region. “For me, looking the way I do and being from a Muslim background, I hope it pushes things in a positive direction.”
He acknowledged the concerns raised by others but stated that he had considered donating part of his fee to charity. However, when pressed, he admitted he had only read about organizations like Human Rights Watch.
Financial Motivations and Backlash
The controversy surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival also involved comedian Tim Dillon, who initially accepted an offer to perform for £279,000. On his podcast, he explained that while he had issues with the Saudi government’s policies, he believed in his financial wellbeing. “They’re paying me enough money to look the other way,” he said.
However, Dillon later revealed that his performance was canceled because Saudi authorities were unhappy with his comments on migrant workers and human rights issues.
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