The Diane Rehm Show

The best-selling author of the novels "The Kite Runner" and "A Thousand Splendid Suns" introduced millions of readers to Afghanistan. Khaled Hosseini's new book begins in Afghanistan, but then branches out as it follows characters from Kabul to Paris and California - reflecting the author's personal journey. Born in Kabul, Hosseini spent part of his childhood in Paris as the son of a diplomat. But his family was forced to stay in France after the 1978 coup. Later, they were granted political asylum in California, where Hosseini became a doctor, started writing fiction, and still lives today.

Three Republicans joined ten Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass broad immigration reform legislation. Next it goes to full Senate. The bill would bring the biggest changes in US immigration policy in years:There's a thirteen year path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally, plus more border security and new rules for both high and low skilled workers seeking jobs in this country. Critics of the bill say it gives illegal immigrants an unfair advantage over those who have played by the rules. They also say the changes will mean fewer jobs for American citizens. Please join us to discuss prospects for immigration reform.

Charles Moore, the author of Margaret Thatcher's authorized biography, joins us to discuss his new book.

Following the devastating tornado in Oklahoma, the federal government is stepping in. A look at disaster assistance and the politics of relief.

For the last few years, Congress's approval ratings have been dismal. A Gallup poll last month showed only 15 percent of Americans approve of how Congress is doing its job. Seventy-nine percent disapprove. Olympia Snowe is fed up with Congress, too. After 18 years in the U.S. Senate, the Maine Republican called it quits. When she announced she would not seek re-election in 2012, she cited increasingly partisan politics as a major factor. In her new political memoir, she tells how she went from being an orphan at age 9 to a GOP lawmaker known for reaching across the aisle. Her take on what's wrong with Congress and how to fix it.