Immigration Nation: The American Identity in the Twenty-First Century

(Paperback)

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Age range 7 to 9

What does it mean to be an immigrant today Has the immigrant experience changed since the last century

Immigration Nation: The American Identity in the Twenty-First Century invites middle and high schoolers to explore the history of immigration in the United States, along with immigration law and statistics through the perspectives of immigrants, citizens, policy makers, and border agents.

For more than a century, an immigrant from France has stood vigil in the New York Harbor. At 350 feet tall, with a majestic spiked crown upon her head, a tablet of laws clutched in one hand and a torch held aloft in the other, the lady is hard to miss. She cries out to the world, "Give me your tired, your poorI lift my lamp beside the golden door!" Millions of immigrants have answered the Statue of Liberty's call, passing over, under, or through the Golden Door to become Americans.

However, on the eve of its 250th birthday, the United States is in the middle of an identity crisis. Should this land of immigrants open the door open to outsiders, people hungry for opportunity and desperate for freedom Or should the country shut the golden door, barring entry to all but a select few And what does it mean to be an American How citizens answer these questions in the early twenty-first century will determine the future of America's identity.

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Grades 7-10 "For students or teachers looking for an entry into the controversial topic of immigration, this book broaches the subject through the lens of history and sociology, individual stories of immigrants, the laws of the United States, and arguments on both sides of the issue. The book opens with a timeline spanning 1607 to 2045, with 2045 pinpointing the year when non-Hispanic whites will no longer be the majority ethnic group in the United States. . . . This is a very interactive source on an issue about which people have extremely strong feelings. It would make for excellent supplemental material in social studies classes, as well as a great research resource for papers and speeches. Glossary. Resources. Source notes. Index. Recommended"

Booklist
"The Inquire & Investigate Social Issues of the Twentieth Century series offers facts, historical perspective, and useful suggestions for young people studying key issues in America today. The writers encourage further study and thoughtful consideration of their books' subjects, which have all seen shifts in political rhetoric and public perception over time. Besides presenting each topic, they challenge readers to engage in critical thinking and consider questions from various people's points of view.. . . Immigration Nation looks at procedures and varied views on U.S. immigration today, as well as personal stories and statistics showing changes over time.. . . .Well organized information and practical help for students researching significant social issues."
Skipping Stones Honor Award Winner for Multicultural and International Books

Author Bio

Judy Dodge Cummings has published 20 nonfiction books for children and teens. She was a history teacher for 26 years and has an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University. She is the author of several titles from Nomad Press, including Rebels and Revolutions: Real Tales of Radical Change in America and Human Migration: Investigate the Global Journey of Humankind. Judy lives in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.Richard Chapman holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College. He lives in Tennessee with his wife and twins.