Sasha Polakow-Suransky’s book, “Go Back to Where You Came From: The Backlash Against Immigration and the Fight to Forget” is a powerful exploration of the history of immigration in the United States and how it has been met with resistance from certain groups of people. The book delves into the reasons behind this backlash and how it has manifested itself in different ways throughout history. It also examines the impact of this backlash on the lives of immigrants and their families.
Chapter 1: The History of Immigration in the United States
The first chapter of the book provides a brief overview of the history of immigration in the United States. It traces the arrival of the first European settlers and how they were followed by successive waves of immigrants from different parts of the world. The chapter also highlights the contributions of immigrants to the growth and development of the country, including the building of the transcontinental railroad and the creation of the tech industry.
Chapter 2: The Backlash Against Immigration
The second chapter of the book examines the history of the backlash against immigration in the United States. It traces the origins of this backlash to the early 19th century when fears of a “foreign invasion” led to the passage of the first immigration laws. The chapter also looks at how this backlash has manifested itself in different ways throughout history, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and the Immigration Act of 1924.
Chapter 3: The Anti-Immigrant Movement
The third chapter of the book explores the rise of the anti-immigrant movement in the United States. It looks at how this movement has been fueled by fears of job loss, cultural change, and terrorism. The chapter also examines the role of politicians and media figures in stoking these fears and how this has led to the passage of harsh immigration laws at the state and federal levels.
Chapter 4: The Impact of the Backlash
The fourth chapter of the book looks at the impact of the backlash against immigration on the lives of immigrants and their families. It examines how immigrants have been targeted for deportation and how this has torn apart families and communities. The chapter also looks at how the backlash has affected the ability of immigrants to access healthcare, education, and other basic services.
Chapter 5: The Fight to Forget
The fifth and final chapter of the book explores the fight to forget the history of the backlash against immigration in the United States. It looks at how this history has been erased from textbooks and how immigrants have been blamed for the country’s problems. The chapter also examines the efforts of activists and scholars to remember this history and to fight against the anti-immigrant backlash.
Conclusion
Sasha Polakow-Suransky’s book, “Go Back to Where You Came From: The Backlash Against Immigration and the Fight to Forget” is a powerful exploration of the history of immigration in the United States and how it has been met with resistance from certain groups of people. The book delves into the reasons behind this backlash and how it has manifested itself in different ways throughout history. It also examines the impact of this backlash on the lives of immigrants and their families. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering our history and of fighting against the anti-immigrant backlash that continues to threaten the lives and well-being of millions of people in the United States.
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