From Immigrants to Americans: The Rise and Fall of Fitting In

by Jacob L. Vigdor

Overview

Immigration has always caused immense public concern, especially when the perception is that immigrants are not assimilating into society they way they should, or perhaps the way they once did. Americans are frustrated as they try to order food, hire laborers, or simply talk to someone they see on the street and cannot communicate with them because the person is an immigrant who has not fully adopted American culture or language. But is this truly a modern phenomenon? In From Immigrants to Americans, Jacob Vigdor offers a direct comparison of the experiences of immigrants in the United States from the mid-19th century to the present day. His conclusions are both unexpected and fascinating. Vigdor shows how the varying economic situations immigrants come from has always played an important role in their assimilation. The English language skills of contemporary immigrants are actually quite good compared to the historical average, but those who arrive without knowing English are learning at slower rates. He continues to argue that today’s immigrants face far fewer “incentives” to assimilate and offers a set of assimilation friendly policies. From Immigrants to Americans is an important book for anyone interested in immigration, either the history or the modern implications, or who want to understand why today’s immigrants seem so different from previous generations of immigrants and how much they are the same.

Co-published with the Manhattan Institute

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442201361
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/16/2010
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Jacob L. Vigdor is professor of public policy studies at Duke University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Chapter 1: An Immigrant's Decision
Chapter 3 Chapter 2: A Historical View of Immigration to the United States
Chapter 4 Chapter 3: Fitting in Economically
Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Fitting in Linguistically
Chapter 6 Chapter 5: Fitting in Officially
Chapter 7 Chapter 6: Fitting into the Neighborhood
Chapter 8 Chapter 7: Joining the Family

Editorial Reviews

Jacob Vigdor has written a must-read book on immigrant assimilation. The book examines a wide range of issues relating to the assimilation experience. It is sure to become a standard reference in this increasingly important social policy issue.

Geroge Borjas

Jacob Vigdor's From Immigrants to Americans is a lucid analysis of a central and enduring issue in our society. No other recent study of this subject matches it in economic sophistication and historical depth. It is enriched by an abundant supply of graphs and tables, allowing readers to assess for themselves the evidence upon which the author's interpretations rest.

Stephan Thernstrom

This is a fascinating look at immigration as Americans continue to ponder the relative merits of the melting pot versus the salad bowl.

Booklist

Vigdor presents some fascinating empirical findings.

Claremont Review of Books

Vigdor's balanced analysis is important reading for anyone interested in immigration adaptation in the US.... Highly recommended.

Choice Reviews

This is a fascinating look at immigration as Americans continue to ponder the relative merits of the melting pot versus the salad bowl.

February 2010 Booklist

Vigdor's balanced analysis is important reading for anyone interested in immigration adaptation in the US.... Highly recommended.

August 2010 Choice Reviews

Vigdor's balanced analysis is important reading for anyone interested in immigration adaptation in the US.... Highly recommended.

Choice

Vigdor's balanced analysis is important reading for anyone interested in immigration adaptation in the US.... Highly recommended.

August 2010 CHOICE

Vigdor presents some fascinating empirical findings.

Claremont Review Of Books