Title Immigrants and the American city / Thomas Muller

Published New York : New York University Press, [1993]

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Description 1 online resource Contents Foreword / Richard C. Leone -- Ch. 1. Introduction -- Ch. 2. The Unending Debate -- Ch. 3. Immigrants and the Prosperity of Cities -- Ch. 4. The Immigrant Contribution to the Revitalization of Cities -- Ch. 5. The Price of Immigration -- Ch. 6. Social and Political Stability -- Ch. 7. More Immigration: An Economic Windfall? -- Ch. 8. Immigrants and America's Future Summary American immigrants are often considered symbols of hope and promise. Presidential candidates point to their immigrant roots, Ellis Island is celebrated as a national monument, and "the melting pot" remains a popular, if somewhat tarnished, American analogy. At the same time, images of impoverished Mexicans swarming across the Mexican-American border and boat-loads of desperate Haitian and urban refugees depict America as a nation under siege. While governments and business interests generally welcome aliens for the economic benefits the generate, the success of these groups paradoxically stirs distrust and envy leading to discrimination, oppression, and, in some cases, deportation. Surveying the political and economic history of American immigration, Thomas Muller compellingly argues that the clamor at America's gate should be a cause of pride, not anxiety; a sign of vigor, not an omen of decline. Illustrating that recent waves of immigration have facilitated urban renewal, Muller emphasizes the many ways in which aliens have lessened our cities' social problems rather than contributing to them. Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and San Francisco, traditional gateways to other continents, have all benefited from the contributions of immigrants. To assess perceived and actual costs of absorbing the new immigrants, Muller examines their impact on city income, housing, minority jobs, public services, and wages. But Muller argues that noneconomic concerns (such as recent attempts to formalize English as the country's official language) frequently mirror deeply rooted fears that could explain the cyclical pattern of American attitudes toward immigrants over the last three centuries. The nation, he contends, may again be turning inward, initiating a period of growing hostility toward the foreign-born. Nonetheless, higher entry levels for skilled immigrants would improve the technological standing of the U.S. increase the standard of living for the middle class, and facilitate the resurgence of our inner cities Notes "A Twentieth Century Fund book." Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-348) and index Notes Print version record Subject Cities and towns -- United States -- History SOCIAL SCIENCE / Emigration & Immigration SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Urban Cities and towns Emigration and immigration Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects Einwanderung Stadtentwicklung Immigranten. Steden. Sociaal-economische aspecten. SUBJECT United States -- Emigration and immigration -- Economic aspects -- History United States -- Emigration and immigration -- History Subject United States USA Genre/Form History Form Electronic book ISBN 9780814761069 0814761062

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