One Mighty and Irresistible Tide

Anyone who doesn't understand that we are a nation of immigrants should be given a copy of Yang's powerful and cogent look at immigrant strictures put in place in 1924 that were revoked by the 1965 Immigration and Equality Act.--Bethanne Patrick Yang's compelling history could not be more timely.... The combination of meticulous research and captivating writing creates a beautiful surprise; a dark history that gleams under the spotlight of unvarnished truthtelling. Expect a lot of reader requests and award attention for this significant title.--Booklist (starred review) Excellent....Critical in understanding today's immigration issues.--Kirkus (starred review) Yang's comprehensive and easy-to-follow record of a crucial period in the evolution of U.S. immigration policy sheds light on the political, cultural, and historical considerations behind this contentious issue. Readers seeking insights into contemporary proposals to reform the system will find plenty in this lucid account. Powerful, riveting, and beautifully written, this book tells the story of how the most significant immigration laws in the twentieth century came to pass in the United States. From Takao Ozawa's heartbreaking bid to become a citizen to our nation's rejection of Jewish refugees of World War II, Jia Lynn Yang exposes the myth that ours is a nation that has consistently welcomed immigrants. With force and imagination she transports us to the halls of Congress and the White House and shepherds us through four decades of political conflict. This book could not be more timely: In a divisive moment where the place of immigrants in America is bitterly debated, we need this book more than ever. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how politics has shaped, and can shape, the lives of immigrants in the United States.--Michelle Kuo, author of Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship