Unwelcome Strangers

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.