Who Belongs in America?

About “Who Belongs in America?”

This 2006 academic book, edited by Vanessa B. Beasley, explores why the immigrant of yesterday is often celebrated as foundational to the nation's character while the immigrant of today is demonized as a threat. Through an overarching essay and ten case studies, it examines presidential rhetoric surrounding key moments in U.S. immigration history, showing how presidents have navigated between immigrants as symbols of hope and as scapegoats for cultural fears.