Showing results for "George" in Emigration & Immigration

We are a nation of immigrants, and we have always been concerned about immigration. As early as 1645, the Massachusetts Bay Colony began to prohibit the entry of "paupers." Today, however, the notion that immigration is universally beneficial has become pervasive. To many modern economists, immigrants are a trove of much-needed workers who can fill predetermined slots along the proverbial assembly line. But this view of immigration's impact is overly simplified, explains George J. Borjas, a Cuban American, Harvard labor economist.

The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions today, as it has throughout much of American history. But what gets lost in the debates about policy are the stories of immigrants themselves, the people who are drawn to America by its promise of economic opportunity and political and religious freedom - and who strengthen our nation in countless ways. Out of Many, One brings together 43 full-color portraits of men and women who have immigrated to the United States, alongside stirring stories of the unique ways all of them are pursuing the American dream.

Hands up! Who wants to be a refugee? I certainly did not! My mother had other ideas. For a fateful moment, the iron fist of oppression eased its grip. This was all she needed. We crossed two borders. The physical barrier was easy. The culture gap was harder to bridge. This story is about human foolishness, selfishness, and frailty. Yet, above all, the enduring courage of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times.