An account of the history of immigration in the United States from the time the first Europeans arrived shows how people have come for similar reasons across four centuries—religious freedom and/or economic opportunity, or as refugees escaping political persecution, or more recently, war. It also shows how each group after those first immigrants were met with various levels of distrust and suspicion. Chapters look at specific groups that came in large numbers, including the Chinese, the Irish, Jews from eastern Europe, and Latin Americans, and how the government responded with changing policies over time. Policies sought to either exclude, as in the case of the Chinese, or to limit immigrants coming from places other than western Europe in response to xenophobia fueled by stereotypes and fear: that the newcomers were dangerous, or would take away jobs, or would never assimilate—fears that continue to be voiced about immigrants today. A timeline of immigration and immigration policy, extensive source material, and an index are provided at the end of a work that includes numerous photographs. (Age 12 and older)

A “fascinating” history of immigration in America with extensive photos and illustrations (Kirkus Reviews).

American attitudes toward immigrants are paradoxical. On the one hand, we see our country as a haven for the poor and oppressed; anyone, no matter his or her background, can find freedom here and achieve the “American Dream.” On the other hand, depending on prevailing economic conditions, fluctuating feelings about race and ethnicity, and fear of foreign political and labor agitation, we set boundaries and restrictions on who may come to this country and whether they may stay as citizens.

This fact-filled, illustrated book explores the way government policy and popular responses to immigrant groups evolved throughout U.S. history, particularly between 1800 and 1965—and concludes with a summary of events up to contemporary times, as immigration again becomes a hot-button issue.

“[An] exceptional work.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Includes a bibliography and index