As we move into a lively election year, I wish that every candidate would be required to read Margaret “Peggy” Sands Orchowski's book, The Law That Changed the Face of America: The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

Noozhawk

Immigrants have shaped America, but few people understand how we got to where we are today. In this insightful book, Orchowski traces the history of U.S. immigration policy, tackling common myths and explaining the historical lessons for contemporary policy. If we don't understand the past, she argues convincingly, we won't be able to move into the future.

Darrell M. West, vice president and director of Governance Studies, Douglas Dillon Chair, The Brookings Institution

In this book, Peggy Orchowski makes an important contribution by highlighting the history and consequences of the momentous 1965 immigration law, and what that history teaches us about the choices we have to make today.

Mark Krikorian, executive director, Center for Immigration Studies

With brisk prose and nuanced perspective, Orchowski offers a savvy and informed glance back at how Senator Philip Hart and Congressman Emanuel Celler achieved bi-partisan cooperation in reforming immigration law. This historic legislative coup left a trail of intended and unintended consequences that echo still in contemporary partisan standoffs on immigration policy.

Alan M. Kraut, University Professor of History, American University

In this important new book Orchowski examines paradoxes and myths of U.S. immigration policy by focusing on a 1965 immigration law whose unintended consequences ought to be central to every current debate on immigration reform.

Magdalena Krajewska, assistant professor of political science, Wingate University