About the book
With the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Chinese laborers became the first group in American history to be excluded from the United States on the basis of their race and class. This landmark law changed the course of U.S. immigration history, but we know little about its consequences for the Chinese in America or for the United States as a nation of immigrants.
At America’s Gates is the first book devoted entirely to both Chinese immigrants and the American immigration officials who sought to keep them out. Erika Lee explores how Chinese exclusion laws not only transformed Chinese American lives, immigration patterns, identities, and families but also recast the United States into a “gatekeeping nation.” Immigrant identification, border enforcement, surveillance, and deportation policies were extended far beyond any controls that had existed in the United States before.
Drawing on a rich trove of historical sources — including recently released immigration records, oral histories, interviews, and letters — Lee brings alive the forgotten journeys, secrets, hardships, and triumphs of Chinese immigrants. Her timely book exposes the legacy of Chinese exclusion in current American immigration control and race relations.
Editions of At America's Gates
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827758
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807854488
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863138
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890873095
Read an Excerpt
With the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Chinese laborers became the first group in American history to be excluded from the United States on the basis of their race and class. This landmark law changed the course of U.S. immigration history, but we know little about its consequences for the Chinese in America or for the United States as a nation of immigrants.
At America’s Gates is the first book devoted entirely to both Chinese immigrants and the American immigration officials who sought to keep them out. Erika Lee explores how Chinese exclusion laws not only transformed Chinese American lives, immigration patterns, identities, and families but also recast the United States into a “gatekeeping nation.” Immigrant identification, border enforcement, surveillance, and deportation policies were extended far beyond any controls that had existed in the United States before.
Drawing on a rich trove of historical sources — including recently released immigration records, oral histories, interviews, and letters — Lee brings alive the forgotten journeys, secrets, hardships, and triumphs of Chinese immigrants. Her timely book exposes the legacy of Chinese exclusion in current American immigration control and race relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is At America's Gates about?
With the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Chinese laborers became the first group in American history to be excluded from the United States on the basis of their race and class. This landmark law changed the course of U.S. immigration history, but we know little about its consequences for the Chinese in America or for the United States as a nation of immigrants.
At America’s Gates is the first book devoted entirely to both Chinese immigrants and the American immigration officials who sought to keep them out. Erika Lee explores how Chinese exclusion laws not only transformed Chinese American lives, immigration patterns, identities, and families but also recast the United States into a “gatekeeping nation.” Immigrant identification, border enforcement, surveillance, and deportation policies were extended far beyond any controls that had existed in the United States before.
Drawing on a rich trove of historical sources — including recently released immigration records, oral histories, interviews, and letters — Lee brings alive the forgotten journeys, secrets, hardships, and triumphs of Chinese immigrants. Her timely book exposes the legacy of Chinese exclusion in current American immigration control and race relations.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in At America's Gates?
Law > Laws of specific jurisdictions and specific areas of law > Constitutional and administrative law: general > Citizenship and nationality law > Immigration law
Where can I read a sample of At America's Gates?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827758
How long is At America's Gates and how many pages does it have?
At America's Gates has 352 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book At America's Gates?
Erika Lee
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
At America's Gates is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827758) and paperback(ISBN 9780807854488) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863138) and pdf(ISBN 9798890873095)
Where can I buy At America's Gates online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy At America's Gates from below
Where can I buy At America's Gates?