Immigrant Experiences: Why Immigrants Come to the United States and What They Find When They Get Here

by Walter A. Ewing

Immigrant Why Immigrants Come to the United States and What They Find When They Get Here weaves together detailed historical and contemporary examples of immigration to the United States that move beyond hackneyed stereotypes about immigrants to give readers a fact-based understanding of why and how immigration occurs.Discussing immigration from the 1800s to today, Ewing explores the motivations, challenges, and triumphs of various immigrant groups, including the Irish, Italians, Mexicans, Chinese, and Indians. Tackling issues of discrimination and assimilation, this book looks at how immigrants have added to the American culture and way of life, and what to expect going forward.

Genres: Nonfiction

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2018

About the author

I have worked in various capacities over the past 15 years at the American Immigration Council–a nonprofit in Washington, DC, that is devoted to the advancement of U.S. immigration policies that are both practical and humane. I write, research, and edit articles, reports, fact sheets, and opinion pieces on a wide range of topics pertaining to immigration, such as the role of immigrants in the U.S. economy, the relationship (or lack thereof) between immigration and crime, the impact of U.S. border-enforcement policies on national security, and the possible contours of immigration reform. I received my Ph.D. in cultural anthropology from the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School in 1997.

Reviews

[Diane Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent the majority of my life not knowing many immigrants other than just in passing. Then friendship develop and close family relationships and my ideas and impressions of immigrants changed. So often I feel not understanding immigrants is simply not truly knowing them. A favorite quote from the book talks about racism but I believe it also applies to stereotypes that people attach to immigrants. “(It) doesn’t have much to do with data or evidence or even logic or reason- it’s more about fear rooted in ignorance. And ultimately the only cure for ignorance is knowledge.” Read this book and gain some knowledge.

[Carolyn Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though there is some repetition from chapter to chapter (intentional) the author provides thoughtful essays on various immigrant groups and their unique and common experiences throughout America'a history. The author is a writer and editor at the American Immigration Council. Nuanced and well researched and written.