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IMMIGRATION by Robert Morrow

IMMIGRATION

Blessing or Burden?

by Robert Morrow

Pub Date: Feb. 2nd, 1998
ISBN: 0-8225-2613-1
Publisher: Lerner

Designed as a starting point for readers studying the shifting trends in the US's immigration patterns and policies, this book combines a survey of the social, economic, and political issues involved with the generally critical views of pundits, from Ben Franklin (``Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens?'') to William F. Buckley, Jr. (``The melting pot brew is all but poisoned if the candidate for assimilation is not required to adjust to a common language''). Paying particular attention to the effects of, and responses to, illegal immigration, Morrow summarizes major legislation, and, although he uses statistics sparingly, introduces the occasional preconception-exploding number before finishing by reprinting an opinion poll widely distributed to students, and analyzing its sometimes-contradictory results. Replete with fact boxes, endnotes, and small photographs (many in full-color), backed by a large bibliography, this may not be the only source of information readers will need to form educated opinions on the subject, but it lays out a basic framework for further inquiry. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 12-14)