America is a country of immigrants. It is also a country whose history is rife with demonstrations of anti-immigration sentiment, directed against the Irish, the Chinese, the Italians, and many other groups. Contemporary society displays its own prejudices, notably against “Arabs” and “Hispanics.” To counter such unsavory movements requires understanding of individuals and issues, cause and effect.
Anti-Immigration in the United States: A Historical Encyclopedia is one of the first encyclopedias to address American anti-immigration sentiment. Organized alphabetically, the two-volume work covers major historical periods and relevant concepts, as well as discussions of various anti-immigration stances. Leading figures and groups in the anti-immigration movements of the past and present are also explored.
Bringing together the work of distinguished scholars from many fields, including legal theorists, political scientists, anthropologists, geographers, and sociologists, the work covers aspects and issues related to anti-immigration sentiment from the establishment of the republic to contemporary times. For each time period, there is a focus on key groups, representing both actors and those acted upon. Political concerns of the time are also discussed to broaden understanding of motivation. In addition, entries explore the role of race, gender, and class in determining immigration policy and informing public sentiment.
