Peabody Winner Felipe Torres Medina Talks New Immigration-Themed Book on Desert Entertainment

On this week’s Desert Entertainment, Peabody and Writers Guild of America Award winner Felipe Torres Medina joined the show to discuss his brand-new book America, Let Me In. Felipe, a writer for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a five-time Emmy nominee, shares his personal immigration journey from Bogotá, Colombia to the United States in a way few have — through humor.

Describing the book as a playful and interactive look at the complex U.S. immigration system, Felipe explains how he drew from his own experiences and those of other immigrants to highlight the absurdities and contradictions they face. "It’s a little bit of ‘laugh so you don’t cry’," Felipe said. "Immigration is complicated, expensive, and full of bureaucratic hoops most people don’t understand."

Felipe, who moved to the U.S. in 2013 for graduate school and later obtained his green card after years on an “Alien of Extraordinary Ability” visa, hopes readers will not only laugh but also leave more informed. "If you knew a little bit more about the system," he said, "it might not change your mind — but it might change how you talk about immigration."

America, Let Me In is available now at local bookstores and online. Felipe is currently touring the country to promote the book, with stops planned in California, Miami, the Bay Area, and possibly Chicago.

In addition to the inspiring conversation, Desert Entertainment spotlighted major musical acts coming to the desert this week:

• James Taylor will perform at Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

• Tina: The Tina Turner Musical lights up the stage at McCallum Theatre Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11.

• Diana Krall brings her 2025 tour to The Show at Agua Caliente Resort Casino on Saturday, May 10 at 8 p.m.

• Chanticleer, the Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble, will perform at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m.

Felipe Torres Medina’s heartfelt humor and these unforgettable performances are lighting up the desert with entertainment you won't want to miss.

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