"If California were its own country, it would have the world's fourth largest immigrant population. How these newcomers are integrated into the state will not only shape its schools, workforce, business, public health, politics, and culture, but also that of the entire country, and beyond. This is the contention that David FitzGerald and John Skrentny open with in this unique volume. Composed of a who's who of top immigration scholars from across the state, Immigrant California addresses comprehensively the issues related to the process of becoming Californian, and, ultimately, becoming American"--
If California were its own country, it would have the world's fifth largest immigrant population. The way these newcomers are integrated into the state will shape California's schools, workforce, businesses, public health, politics, and culture. In Immigrant California, leading experts in U.S. migration provide cutting-edge research on the incorporation of immigrants and their descendants in this bellwether state. California, unique for its diverse population, powerful economy, and progressive politics, provides important lessons for what to expect as demographic change comes to most states across the country. Contributors to this volume cover topics ranging from education systems to healthcare initiatives and unravel the sometimes-contradictory details of California's immigration history. By examining the past and present of immigration policy in California, the volume shows how a state that was once the national leader in anti-immigrant policies quickly became a standard-bearer of greater accommodation. California's successes, and its failures, provide an essential road map for the future prosperity of immigrants and natives alike.
