Crossing into America: The New Literature of Immigration

by Louis Gerard Mendoza (Editor), Subramanian Shankar (Editor)

This breakthrough collection presents voices from the great second wave of American immigration. Mixing beautiful writing from celebrated authors such as Jamaica Kincaid, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Richard Rodriguez with striking selections from young writers, as well as diary entries and letters home from undocumented workers, Crossing into America presents a complex portrait of emerging America.Since the immigration reform of 1965 removed many of the racial barriers in our immigration laws, the second wave of immigrants has transformed the face of the United States. Crossing into America includes stories and memoirs of writers born in Mexico, Cuba, Kashmir, the Philippines, South Africa, and Romania, among other places, as well as poignant reflections on the immigrant experience by the children of immigrants. The book also includes an accessible history of American immigration policy and an original and timely section of conversations with activists, artists, and journalists who work on the front lines of America's immigrant battles.

Edited by two well-known specialists in immigrant literature -- one an immigrant, one a child of immigrants -- Crossing into America establishes a new canon of writing and is an essential resource for anyone interested in the future of America.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2003

Reviews

[Ricky German · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this anthology. Partially, because all of the stories are good, partially because I have a short attention span when it comes to books. I'm growing to love American history. Our culture is so varied and in the context of its history, these "other" voices didn't come until recently (1965). It's a really rich read. I would probably recommend this to anyone who is looking for new authors to like.

[Derek Emerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A range of immigration stories including many well-known writers. Some selections are better than others, but that is usually a matter of how well some stories work when taken out of the context of a novel or memoir. But if you want an overview of immigration issues from the personal level before the politicians overwhelm it, this book is a good start.

[lilia]

shout out to isa for being instrumental in putting this together!

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just glad to be done with reading this haha.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great anthology for anyone interested in immigration topics.