This Land Is Our Land: A History of American Immigration

by Linda Barrett Osborne

Overview

A 2017 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction finalist!

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 book explores the way government policy and popular responses to immigrant groups evolved throughout U.S. history, particularly between 1800 and 1965. The book concludes with a summary of events up to contemporary times, as immigration again becomes a hot-button issue. Includes an author’s note, bibliography, and index.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781419716607
Publisher:	ABRAMS
Publication date:	04/12/2016
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	101,433
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1080L (what's this?)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

Linda Barrett Osborne is the author of Traveling the Freedom Road and Miles to Go for Freedom. She was a senior writer-editor in the Library of Congress Publishing Office for 15 years. She lives in Washington, DC.

Editorial Reviews

05/23/2016
Osborne (Miles to Go for Freedom) examines immigration to the United States from the 19th century to the present, and the accompanying reactions from Americans already here—reactions she describes as “startlingly similar and consistent.” Opening as non-English Europeans traveled to U.S. shores in greater numbers, Osborne succinctly traces how various communities (Germans, Swedes, Italians, Chinese, and others) were alternately vilified, with xenophobia, nativism, and prejudice coming into play again and again. Numerous quotations from migrants (and, later, refugees) offer humanizing stories of struggle and striving, as if to offset the dehumanizing attitudes toward the groups at large. As Osborne moves into contemporary immigration, readers will have no trouble seeing the numerous parallels between the examples drawn from the nation’s history and ongoing conversations that sound very familiar. It’s a heartfelt plea to listen to and learn from our past. Ages 13–up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"Immigrants ranging from the first colonists to recent Syrian and Central American refugees are given a voice in this beautifully designed history."

School Library Connection

"Well researched, clearly written, and informative, the discussion is particularly useful in offering the broad look at immigration over time... Handsomely designed, the book offers many captioned period illustrations, especially photos. A strong introduction to American immigration."

Booklist

★ 03/01/2016
Gr 6–10—This exceptional work explores the history of American immigration from the early colonization of the continent to the contemporary discussions involving undocumented aliens. The so-called American melting pot has a history of exclusion, discrimination, and strife that has resulted in anti-immigration laws, segregation, and, in the case of the Japanese during World War II, unjustified internment. The author combines comprehensive history with anecdotal case studies to present the human side of the issue. Outstanding archival photographs and illustrations complement the comprehensive text and encourage thoughtful discussion. The author conveys the attitudes toward new waves of immigration. As each new ethnic or national group arrived, it faced exclusion, aversion, and hostility from those who came earlier. The author outlines the motivations for these barriers and the political circumstances behind them. She also distinctly demonstrates the benefits immigrant populations have brought to the growth of this country. An excellent time line and end notes and a thorough bibliography make this an effective research tool. VERDICT Highly recommended for general purchase.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

School Library Journal

2016-01-09
As timely as the latest newspaper headline and political debate, Osborne's latest nonfiction volume offers historical context for the issue of immigration. "Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the British, become a Colony of Aliens, who will shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us instead of our Anglifying them." Benjamin Franklin's remark from 1751 sounds eerily familiar over 250 years later, as Americans still grapple with the challenges of immigration. The title, a play on the words of Woody Guthrie's 1940 folk song, implies the issue: "Is it our land, the land of the people who already live here….Or is it our land, including the people who still come here for freedom and opportunity?" Osborne, a great-granddaughter of Italian immigrants, writes with an open-hearted belief in the United States' legacy as a nation of immigrants but doesn't overlook the challenges, past and present. Who should be allowed to enter the United States? How many? Should we build a wall? How do we prevent terrorism? Clear and accessible prose, a colorful design, and numerous quotations keep the volume personal and lively, never textbook-ish. Chapters are divided by waves of immigration, so the parallels among the generations of immigrants become clear. Fascinating reading for both browsers and those seeking a more thorough understanding of immigration. (appendix, timeline, source notes, bibliography, credits, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

Kirkus Reviews