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Coodley’s book looks at how important immigrants have been for America and its history. It’s no secret that immigration policy is a hot-button issue in America, especially in the current political atmosphere. The author opens with the American Revolution, where he shares stories about those who helped the nation gain independence. This isn’t about the usual suspects either. Haym Salomon is one name that many probably don’t remember reading about in history books. Salomon immigrated to America from Poland, and he gave at least $650,000 to the revolutionary cause. The book later examines some of the darker topics in history, including the Immigration Act of 1924, a federal law that prevented immigration from Asia and set quotas from Eastern and Southern Europe.
Coodley doesn’t shy away from how Americans have treated immigrants, especially those from Asian countries. On a lighter side, the book looks at immigrants who were part of the movie industry, like director Frank Capra, lesser-known actress Florence Lawerence, and Adolph Zukor—one of the three founders of Paramount Pictures and a popular movie producer. The book ends with what immigration looks like in the modern world, noting how the recent improvement in the economy owes much to the recent increase of immigrants to the U.S. and how most of the big businesses now are run by immigrants. Coodley does bring up the political atmosphere and how certain proposed policies by politicians could harm the country. Overall, Coodley’s book is thought-provoking and well-written. It should be required reading for every citizen who votes, especially people who are interested in history and politics.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review