Debating American Immigration, 1882-Present

The work by Daniels and Graham is welcomed for two important reasons. First it goes far to advance the still unrealized notion that historical study is debatable hence educational and second it does so authoritatively and readably on the enduringly significant issue of immigration policy. -- Victor Greene, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee From starkly contrasting points of view, two accomplished historians, Roger Daniels and Otis Graham, interpret changes in immigration restriction policies from an era of closure to the increasing openness of recent years. One story features the opportunities of an expanding economy, the other the failure of the political system to cope with long-term problems that weakly regulated immigration fosters. -- John Higham, Johns Hopkins University A splendid juxtaposition of contrasting interpretations. Debating American Immigration provides a wealth of relevant and cogent argumentation. -- Philip Gleason, University of Notre Dame The essays are lively reading. This is an outstanding volume that fulfills its objectives. It is a successful way of presenting the two sides of the immigration debate over the past 120 years. It leaves it to the reader to decide on which side, or where in between, he or she stands. * H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online * The book is manageable, judicious, and thoughtful, with clearly written essays and short, relevant documents. In the hands of a skilled teacher, it can be a wonderful tool in stimulating debate and enabling students to look at controversial issue from many different angles. Two thumbs up! * Journal of American Ethnic History * Persons interested in the immigration debate and the history of immigration to America, will find Debating American Immigration a very useful book. Roger Daniels and Otis Graham, two well-known historians, have given us a lively account of the issues in the past and present. -- David M. Reimers, New York University