These approximately 85 primary sources dated 1608–2016, soundly selected by political scientist Vile, offer an array of important laws, amendments, cases, treaties, and speeches concerning immigrants and the path to citizenship. The work's glossary, time line, and index are handy….

Choice Reviews

John Vile provides a valuable contribution to the discourse on immigration and naturalization issues. The book compiles primary source documents on the subject from colonial times to Donald Trump’s “I’ll Build a Wall.” The synthesized and annotated documents present the legal and constitutional arguments, both pro and con, on the complex subject of immigration and citizenship policy. Its features include a timeline, a handy glossary, a selected bibliography, and an index. It is highly recommended for immigration scholars, for the general public, and for high school and college or university libraries.

Michael C. LeMay, author of Doctors at the Borders: Immigration and the Rise of Public Health

“Against an international discourse over immigration most noted for its rhetorical vehemence and emotion, Professor John Vile offers an impressive historical record of U.S. governmental policies, judicial decisions, and executive pronouncements surrounding questions of citizenship and immigration. We better understand arguments contrary to our own—thereby creating wiser policies for the future—when we root our analysis and advocacy as a response to the choices of the past. This book helps articulate a shared history around which more productive debate can occur."

Michelle D. Deardorff, Professor and Department Head, Political Science and Public Service, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

This outstanding, well-chosen collection of documents couldn’t be timelier. It deserves widespread and serious attention wherever the current, contentious debate on immigration takes place in this country: in the political arena, in community forums, in classrooms, and in legislative bodies. Dr. Vile has provided thoughtful citizens - both those seeking elected office and those exercising their vote - with all the material they need to deliberate wisely on what always has been, and always will be, a complex issue with no easy solutions.

Donald H. Whitfield, Vice President for Community and National Programs, The Great Books Foundation