Member Reviews
CROSSING BORDERS by Ali Noorani is subtitled "The Reconciliation of a Nation of Immigrants" and focuses on the immigration experience for individuals and families. President and CEO of the advocacy group named National Immigration Forum, Noorani shares stories based on his travels and conversations with immigrants and the organizations who support them. He writes eloquently of changes since the 2008 financial collapse, concluding that "Skepticism about immigration has become fear of immigrants" and that "By weaponizing immigration, Trump mainstreamed hate." Noorani details visits to cities and towns in Arizona, Texas, and Honduras to support his views on the need for immigration reform. He cites numerous other examples and political actions, although seems to struggle to summarize key points. Roughly a third of this text is filled with notes, a bibliography, and a useful index. A list of resources and contact information for places like the Migration Policy Institute, RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, in Texas) or even Pew Research Center would have been a valuable addition.
If you’ve ever had an in-depth conversation with someone that has immigrated to the United States you’ll quickly realize how the process is far from sanitary and clean. It is messy and complicated and it can be easily derailed by a misplaced comma or slow mail or any number of glitches. Suddenly, the legal is labeled illegal or the immigrant grasping at straws is politicized, criminalized, marginalized, and definitely dehumanized. If you haven’t had those conversations, I deeply encourage you to read Crossing Borders. Noorani peels back the layers from many directions - the view from the immigrant, the lies and powerplays from media and political power brokers, and relationally the American communities enriched by expanding the American Dream with immigrants. One warning is Noorani pulls no punches when describing how immigrants have been dehumanized.
Full disclosure - I’m biased toward immigrants and immigration reform. I’ve always had a fascination in learning about people’s journey to America regardless of whether it has been 100 years ago or 100 days. Also, my wife is an immigrant.
**thanks to Netgalley for the advanced review copy**
Who would benefit from reading: Any American that wants to see a fuller experience of what it means to be an American.