The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights [Paperback]

Kevin R. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592132065 | ISBN-13: 978-1592132065 | Publication Date: December 1, 2003 | Edition: 1st

Despite rhetoric that suggests that the United States opens its doors to virtually anyone who wants to come here, immigration has been restricted since the nation began. In this book, Kevin R. Johnson argues that immigration policy reflects the social hierarchy that prevails in American society as a whole and that immigration reform is intertwined with the struggle for civil rights. The "Huddled Masses Myth" focuses on the exclusion of people of color, gays and lesbians, people with disabilities, the poor, political dissidents, and other disfavored groups, showing how bias shapes the law.In the nineteenth century, for example, virulent anti-Asian bias excluded would-be immigrants from China and severely restricted those from Japan. In our own time, people fleeing persecution and poverty in Haiti generally have been treated much differently from those fleeing Cuba. Johnson further argues that although domestic minorities (whether citizens or lawful immigrants) enjoy legal protections and might even be courted by politicians, they are regarded as subordinate groups and suffer discrimination. This book has particular resonance today as the public debates the uncertain status of immigrants from Arab countries and of the Muslim faith. Author note: Kevin R. Johnson is Associate Dean as well as Professor of Law and Chicana/o Studies at The University of California, Davis. His book, "How Did You Get to Be Mexican?: A White/Brown Man's Search for Identity" was published by "Temple" in 1999.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"for those unfamiliar with the [immigration policy] field, this is an informative book. ...students can definitely benefit by reading his account." Ethnic and Racial Studies "The publication of two books (The "Huddled Masses" Myth / Defining America through Immigration Policy) on the relationship between immigration policy and racism in the United States could not have been more timely. Taken together, these two volumes comprise a detailed analysis of the racialized nature of American immigration history, and contribute concrete examples to support the established notion that race is socially constructed in a society's image of itself. Perhaps their most important contribution, however, is to provide a perspective on contemporary discussions of who qualifies for full citizenship status in the current context of the 'war on terror'." Law and Politics Book Review "a timely study" Choice "In this compelling book, Kevin R. Johnson reveals the myth of the 'huddled masses,' turning a critical eye on the contradictions of U.S. immigration policies and practices. Whereas the U.S. proudly views itself as a nation of immigrants, many people arriving to its shores have been shunned, most notably people of color and the poor. In a post-September 11th world, Johnson gives us good reasons to renew--rather than restrict--our nations commitment to immigrants." --Michael Welch, Rutgers University, author of Detained: Immigration Laws and the Expanding INS Jail Complex "The 'Huddled Masses' Myth is remarkably well conceived and written. Kevin Johnson takes up consistently interesting and fundamental questions about immigration law and then covers all the bases. He mounts his claims not through rhetoric, but through careful and meticulous work. This is a first-rate book on a very timely topic, and Johnson's treatment will prove to be very important in domestic debates about immigration." --Michael A. Olivas, William B. Bates Distinguished Chair of Law and Director, Institute for Higher Education Law and Governance, University of Houston Law Center "Johnson's unique approach to both immigration and civil rights fills an important gap. He broadens the discussion by bringing together the discourse on race, ethnicity, immigration, and citizenship that until the last few years remained virtually isolated from each other. The 'Huddled Masses' Myth is an important contribution to moving away from a binary race paradigm and one that truly considers contemporary U.S. experience as well as challenging previous assumptions about the construction of race as black and white." --Mary Romero, School of Social Justice, Arizona State University, and author of Maid in U.S.A.

From the Publisher

The disconnect between national rhetoric, the law, and public policy

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Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press; 1st edition (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592132065
• ISBN-13: 978-1592132065
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Law > Administrative Law > Emigration & Immigration
  • #34 in Books > Law > Legal History

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book on Immigration and Civil Rights!, January 7, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights (Paperback)

This is a first rate book on immigration. Even in tone, and written in a clear and accessible way, the book analyzes the implications of the exclusions of immigrants under the U.S. immigration laws. The poor, people of color, political undesirables, certain groups of women, criminals and lesbians and gay men, have been barred from enter the country under the immigration laws. Johnson thoughtfully analyzes this unfortunate history and considers the implications for members for these minority groups in the United States. This book is a "must read" for anyone truly interested in an impartial view on immigration, as well as the civil rights of minorities in the United States.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars civil rights of ethnic groups in the united states, June 23, 2010

By 

Ashley Brown "law/sociology" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights (Paperback)

The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights

This book is very informative and detailed about the processes that were used to determine eligibility into the United States. Also,how various cultures have adjusted to living in the United States. Additionally, dates, details, case citations, and legislative decisions. It can be a difficult read if you are not interested in law.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great service!, February 6, 2007

By 

J. Maldonado "Lilpreshez98" (San Pablo, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Huddled Masses Myth: Immigration And Civil Rights (Paperback)

Quick and easy purchase followed by prompt delivery. Book was in better condition than expected! Will do business again! Thanks!