The Politics of Immigration: Questions and Answers

by Jane Guskin, David L. Wilson

A straightforward discussion of the issues surrounding immigration 

U.S. immigration has been the subject of furious debates for decades. On one side, politicians and the media talk about aliens and criminals, with calls to “deport them all.” On the other side, some advocates idealize immigrants and gloss over problems associated with immigration. Dialogue becomes possible when we dig deeper and ask tough questions: Why are people in other countries leaving their homes and coming here? What does it mean to be “illegal”? How do immigration raids, prisons, and border walls impact communities? Who suffers and who profits from our current system—and what would happen if we transformed it?  

The Politics of Immigration: Questions and Answers goes beyond soundbites to tackle these concerns in straightforward language and an accessible question-and-answer format. First published in 2007, this updated and expanded edition is an effective tool to confront current stereotypes and disinformation. Those who believe immigrants take jobs from citizens, don't pay taxes, strain public services, and threaten the dominant culture will find their assumptions challenged with compelling arguments and hard data. Ideal for classroom use, The Politics of Immigration provides those who are undecided about immigration with the facts and clear reasoning they need to develop an informed opinion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

359 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Jane Guskin and David L. Wilson are the co-editors of Weekly News Update on the Americas, Guskin also edits Immigration News Briefs. Guskin produced a widely circulated immigrant rights flier entitled "What's So Wrong About Immigration?" Her essay "The Case for Open Borders" was published in Melting Point or Boiling Point? The Issues of Immigration. Wilson's articles on Latin American issues have appeared in publications including Monthly Review, Extra!, and New York's El Diario-La Prensa

Guskin and Wilson are available to talk about the book and facilitate discussions around immigration. Contact them at thepoliticsofimmigration@gmail.com.

Reviews

[Ben Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely relevant, and will likely continue to be so unless serious change happens in our society.

[ASC Library]

325.73 Gus

[Patrick\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incomplete, but the arguments for immigration reform, though one-sided, are good. However, to use an example that is off topic but makes things clearer: if Russia wants Abkhazia independent of Georgia, then Georgia should say OK on condition Chechneya becomes independent of Russia. You know the answer here. It is never a one-way push where fairness is called for. Dual conditions need to be searched then the dialogue can work for all.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a solid debunking of the biggest myths about immigration, and is an invaluable resource in standing up to the nonsense of the Lou Dobbs crowd. My only criticisms are: (1) the writing style is a bit choppy and awkward and (2) some of the "answers" in the book aren't fleshed out enough. Overall, though, the book's positives strongly outweigh the negatives, and I highly recommend it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible and important information everyone should know