Unwelcome strangers
Subtitle: American identity and the turn against immigration
By: David M. Reimers.
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 199
Subjects: Immigrants -- United States -- Public opinion.; Public opinion -- United States.; United States -- Emigration and immigration -- Government policy.; United States -- Emigration and immigration -- Public opinion.
Description: After decades of liberal policies that welcomed ever greater numbers of immigrants, America is seeing a surge in anti-immigration sentiment. In Unwelcome Strangers, David M. Reimers enters into the emotionally charged immigration debate, looking at all sides of the argument. Who are the nativists, and are any of their views legitimate? This balanced investigation traces the history of American attitudes toward immigration and offers a new perspective on the current crisis.

The core of this book covers the heated arguments of the anti-immigration forces, from environmental groups that warn against the consequences of overpopulation, to concerns that immigrants take jobs away from Americans, to assimilationist fears that newcomers - especially from Latin America and Asia - threaten American culture.

Reimers sees potential solutions in English language instruction for newcomers, greater accountability of sponsors, and government intervention to counterbalance the negative economic impact some immigrants have on poor communities.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [183]-185) and index.