Dramatic life stories told by twelve immigrants from all over the world in interviews with Jo Condrill. Interviews with two immigration law professors enhance readers' appreciation of the complexity of immigration in Part Two: Pathways to Citizenship.
Dramatic, real-life stories told by 12 immigrants from all over the world are presented here. One immigrant is a businessman who once served in the Soviet navy on the North Sea. One immigrant was a refugee who sailed from Vietnam on a boat crammed with 80 people. Once at sea, the boat was attacked by pirates who took their navigation equipment and valuables. It was a long, dangerous journey to America. Another immigrant who tells her story was in one of the wealthiest families in Mexico, but she wanted to be successful on her own. A woman of tre grit, she became highly educated and well respected in the world of business. Another intriguing story takes you into the cloudy world of an undocumented immigrant. Yet another story is about the immigrant from Norway, creator of Disney's new fragrance, "Frozen in a Bottle."
Interviews with two immigration law professors shed some light on our complex immigration laws and what it takes to avoid becoming an illegal immigrant.
Excerpt
My dad was thinking quickly and he tells everybody to dig a hole on the ship to make the ship sink. When they saw the ship is sinking, they let the men come onto the ship. That's why all of us . . .my dad saved the ship. I forgot to mention one time before they rescued us, the Thais came and took the binoculars and the map. Everybody in the ship they are terrified because we don't know where to go after they took the binoculars and the map. They ask my dad, "Where are we going?" My dad said he was in the Marines and he was trained very well and he looked at the stars.
Professional Reviews
Immigrants Coming to America
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Immigration has always been an intrinsic part of American history, beginning with the Puritans who fled England and continuing to modern times; yet the current state of social and political affairs, tempered by worries of terrorism and overcrowding, have led to its premises being questioned by those who would close many doors currently open to new immigrants.
That's why Immigrants Coming to America, written by an author who interviews two immigration law experts in the course of her examination, provides some clear and remarkable insights at an especially troubling moment (and possible pivot point) in American history. Its special blend of history and social and legal analysis clarifies many potentially murky areas of immigration law which all Americans should understand; from the differences between green card bearers and citizens to fact-based, history-backed discussions of America's immigration process and its pros and cons.
Chapters reveal many thought-provoking insights about the overall effects and approaches of this process ("This "melting pot" assimilation of many waves of immigrants to America implied a weakening of their own identities as the immigrants themselves pressed their children to adopt American values and lifestyles.") as they discuss influences on immigration, immigrant status in American society, the cases of "reluctant immigrants" and their experiences, and more.
Jo Condrill's interviews create a personal touch to these immigrant experiences, offering firsthand accounts that form the background of a diverse set of individual experiences about the process of coming to this country and its special challenges. While at times readers might think some of the interviews could have been condensed by eliminating chattier passages ("Well, Diana, this has been a very, very interesting and rewarding conversation."), the purpose here is to inject a personal feel for not only immigrant stories, but to the interview experience itself.
The collection of revelations from twelve immigrants from various parts of the world, each with very different perspectives on and experiences of the immigration process, is recommended reading for those interested in modern immigration stories and the different roots and perceptions of newcomers to America. Anyone who wants insights on both the legal and personal processes involved will find this absorbing.
Weaving he Bright Tpestry that is the History of America
America prides itself on being a land of immigrants. Over the years people have flocked to its shores seeking opportunity, refuge, religious freedom and a chance to be part of, what some think of as an experiment. The end result is a rich tapestry weaving different backgrounds, languages, religions, traditions, cuisines and beliefs into a bright, energetic, colorful whole.
Jo Codnrill, takes us several layers deeper to give us a better understanding of how this tapestry was woven.
In a fascinating book, Immigrants Coming to America, Jo introduces us to some of the newer immigrants. Their passion is unmistakeable as we get an intimate look at who they are, where they came from and why they are here. Most exciting of all, is learning about their ideas, their creativity and their contributions to making a positive difference in their adopted countries. Each story represents a single thread that gets woven into the growing tapestry that makes up the history of America. This book is a must read to get to know your fellow citizens, understand the power of opportunity and be inspired by their journeys.
Wonderful perspective on immigrants!
Love this book! Jo Condrill provides amazing insights into people of diverse backgrounds, and from many other countries, who immigrated to our wonderful country and here found the freedom to pave their own pathway to success in business and in life. Thanks to the author's expertise in interviewing, we read their experience in their own words. These are really inspiring stories for anyone wanting to understand the ability of humans to overcome tremendous obstacles and find their purpose in life.
These timeless quotations culled from the celebrated corpus of writings by W.E.B. Du Bois are presented with illuminating introductory essays by Aberjhani. Narration of the Audible book performed by Catherine Byers.
