The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights

Despite rhetoric that suggests that the United States opens its doors to virtually anyone who wants to go there, immigration has been restricted since the nation began. Kevin R. Johnson argues that immigration policy reflects the social hierarchy that prevails in American society as a whole and that immigration reform is intertwined with the struggle for civil rights. disabilities, the poor, political dissidents and other disfavoured groups; the text shows how bias shapes the law. In the 19th century, for example, virulent anti-Asian bias excluded would-be immigrants from China and severely restricted those from Japan. In our time, people fleeing persecution and poverty in Haiti generally have been treated much differently from those fleeing Cuba. Johnson further argues that although domestic minorities (whether citizens or lawful immigrants) enjoy legal protections and might even be courted by politicians, they are regarded as subordinate groups and suffer discrimination. This publication has particular resonance today as the public debates the uncertain status of immigrants from Arab countries and of the Muslim faith. Read more Continue reading Read less REVIEW
"In this compelling book Kevin R. Johnson reveals the myth of the 'huddled masses, ' turning a critical eye on the contradictions of U.S. immigration policies and practices. Whereas the U.S. proudly views itself as a nation of immigrants, many people arriving to its shores have been shunned, most notably people of color and the poor. In a post-September 11th world, Johnson gives us good reasons to renew--rather than restrict--our nations commitment to immigrants." FROM THE PUBLISHER
The disconnect between national rhetoric, the law, and public policy FROM THE INSIDE FLAP
"In this compelling book, Kevin R. Johnson reveals the myth of the 'huddled masses,' turning a critical eye on the contradictions of U.S. immigration policies and practices. Whereas the U.S. proudly views itself as a nation of immigrants, many people arriving to its shores have been shunned, most notably people of color and the poor. In a post-September 11th world, Johnson gives us good reasons to renew—rather than restrict—our nations commitment to immigrants."
—Michael Welch, Rutgers University, author of Detained: Immigration Laws and the Expanding INS Jail Complex ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kevin R. Johnson is Associate Dean as well as Professor of Law and Chicana/o Studies at The University of California, Davis. His book, How Did You Get to Be Mexican?: A White/Brown Man's Search for Identity was published by Temple in 1999. Read more Continue reading Read less