5 Great Books About Immigration
5 Great Books About Immigration
Immigration reform is a tense issue in the United States and some say the reason can be found in the history of the country itself. After all, the U.S. is comprised mostly of immigrants. If you ask almost anyone in the U.S. what their heritage is, they will likely respond with a list of European nations or South American neighbors, and up until the early part of the 20th century, American boarders were open to the mass influx of immigrants. In contrast, today it seems that the focus is on immigration bonds and immigration help and reform, with an extreme focus on reform.
The long history of immigration policy in the United States has had a lasting effect on culture in almost all forms; from art to science – even to the presidency! US Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services Inc. is an immigration bond company that provides immigration help and support and offers resources to those in need. Our immigration blog offers fantastic news and information on the subject of immigration reform, news updates and current events, tips for immigrants, and resources for the immigration naturalization process and immigration bail bond process. The following are five great books about immigration that U.S. Immigration Bonds recommends as resources for both immigrants and those looking to learn more about the issue of immigration.
The American Dream: Can it Survive the 21st Century by Joseph Daleiden
Non Fiction – Daleiden focuses on immigration policy and answers some of the age old questions: “Can each of us achieve our own American dream while recognizing the news of other individuals, society and future generations?” Many are searching for immigration help and a path that might lead to greener pastures, and this book puts perspective on immigration hopes and dreams.
The truth is that the common question for immigrants is the same question that immigrants have asked for generations, it's a fundamental question that is at the heart of what it means to be an American: When should we put our own individual goals before the common good?
America is and always will be a society of individuals, a country of states and a dream that is both within reach and unattainable. So, how can an immigrants lay claim to these ideas? A very well researched book and a good read for anyone interested in the facts and statistics surrounding immigration and immigration policy.
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Fiction – Set in 1930’s Ireland, this Pulitzer Prize winning autobiography is both hopeful and heart breaking. Shortly after Frank was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., his family made the journey back to Ireland. Frank spends the rest of his young adult life trying his best to navigate the hardships of life and get back to the U.S., the land of opportunity.
The book was transformed into a fantastic movie of the same name. The Angela's Ashes movie has the rare honor of enjoying critical praise and capturing the love of audiences all over the world. The story takes place completely in Ireland - America is merely a dream, a far off place that the main character, Frankie, it trying to get back to. An interesting take on immigration because it illustrates the perspective of the hopeful immigrant trying to immigrate to the U.S.
Unguarded Gates by Otis Graham
Non Fiction – Graham does a great job of detailing the history of immigration in the United States. According to the author, unless immigration help is curtailed and the influx of immigrants is not controlled and dealt with correctly, there will be mass social fragmentation. It’s an interesting perspective on the impact immigration has on culture. Another great book for those who take the immigration crisis and the affects of immigration on the U.S. political structure seriously. This book is not a light read, but an important book that should be noted never the less.
Impossible Subjects by Mae Ngai
Non Fiction – This award winning book illuminates past immigration policies and how poorly regulated border controls lead to the stigmatization of Asian and African immigrants, while immigration help was freely given to Europeans who arrived in the U.S. And excerpt from the book reads "This book traces the origins of the "illegal alien" in American law and society, explaining why and how illegal migration became the central problem in U.S. immigration policy―a process that profoundly shaped ideas and practices about citizenship, race, and state authority in the twentieth century".
This is a great book for those who want to understand how the idea of illegal aliens has been shaped by history.
Fiction – The perspective of an immigrant and the naturalized offspring as they clash on tradition and customs. This novel is a must read for any families with immigrant parents and naturalized children. In the end, family is more important than almost anything else. This New York Time's Bestseller was voted one of the Most Beloved Books in America - which might surprise people who read it. The story follows four recent Chinese immigrants in 1949 San Francisco. Endearing, heartbreaking and lovely. A must read.
Children of Immigrants
US Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services helps to reunite families by supporting the Children of Immigrants organization
