America Classifies the Immigrants

In "America Classifies the Immigrants," author Joel Perlmann offers a compelling exploration of the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration classification. Published by Harvard University Press in 2018, this insightful hardback spans 384 pages and delves into the complex and often contentious notions of racial, national, and ethnic differences that have shaped American society from the era of Ellis Island to contemporary times. Perlmann meticulously examines pivotal moments in history, including the 1897 List of Races and Peoples, the transformative civil rights movement, and the ongoing discussions surrounding the 2020 Census reform. This book is essential for anyone interested in the political aspects of race relations and government policy in the United States, providing a rich historical context that informs today's debates on immigration and identity.