Immigrant America: A Portrait - Softcover

"Because of its intellectual breadth, Immigrant America is a portrait of American life itself, its pressures and difficulties, its mosaic of repressions, as well as its possibilities, as seen through the eyes of those struggling for a place in the society." - Richard Sennett, New York University "A fascinating and compelling window to our 'permanently changing' and amazingly diverse mosaic of peoples and cultures. The drama of newcomers' personal journeys from distant homelands combined with in-depth demographic research and history presents an invaluable resource for all students of America's unique immigrant tradition." - Al Santoli, author of New Americans "A fascinating and comprehensive up-to-date guide for understanding recent immigration to the U.S." - Lawrence H. Fuchs, Former Executive Director of the U.S. Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy "This book is essential for those who seek the facts upon which intelligent discussion of the immigrant problem must be based." - Charles Peter, editor, Washington Monthly"

This third edition of the widely acclaimed classic has been thoroughly expanded and updated to reflect current demographic, economic, and political realities. Drawing on recent census data and other primary sources, Portes and Rumbaut have infused the entire text with new information and added a vivid array of new vignettes and illustrations. Recognized for its superb portrayal of immigration and immigrant lives in the United States, this book probes the dynamics of immigrant politics, examining questions of identity and loyalty among newcomers, and explores the psychological consequences of varying modes of migration and acculturation. The authors look at patterns of settlement in urban America, discuss the problems of English-language acquisition and bilingual education, explain how immigrants incorporate themselves into the American economy, and examine the trajectories of their children from adolescence to early adulthood.

With a vital new chapter on religion - and fresh analyses of topics ranging from patterns of incarceration to the mobility of the second generation and the unintended consequences of public policies - this updated edition is indispensable for framing and informing issues that promise to be even more hotly and urgently contested as the subject moves to the center of national debate..