Description
Explore the complexities of immigrant rights with 'The Walls Within' by Sarah Coleman. This compelling book uncovers the rich history of U.S. immigration policies following the transformative 1965 Hart-Celler Act, which abolished restrictive national quotas. Delve into the battles over immigrants' rights and how they reshaped access to education, civil liberties, and employment opportunities in America. Tracking political clashes through pivotal eras, Coleman emphasizes that the focus has shifted from border control to domestic policies that restrict immigrant rights. Drawing on compelling new materials from administrations spanning Carter to Clinton, the narrative reveals the insidious impact of immigration politics on the concept of citizenship. Understand how a rising restrictionist movement sought to marginalize immigrants, particularly concerning public education and labor markets. Despite these challenges, the book highlights the resilience of countervailing forces advocating for expansive immigrants' rights. With a keen eye on the grassroots efforts during the 1990s, Coleman illustrates the struggle for comprehensive reform amidst political gridlock. 'The Walls Within' is an essential read for anyone interested in immigration history, civil rights, and social policy, offering profound insights into the ongoing debates over who belongs in America and the challenges immigrants face today.