The Very Short Introductions Podcast American Immigration – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 29
May 6, 2021
David A. Gerber, Distinguished Professor of History Emeritus at the University at Buffalo, navigates the complex landscape of U.S. immigration. He discusses the historical cycles of support and restriction, detailing major waves of migration and their impact. Gerber contrasts differing visions of American identity, from a homogeneous culture to multicultural inclusivity. He emphasizes immigrants' economic contributions and argues that assimilation fears are largely unfounded, highlighting immigration as a national strength that enriches American life.
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Scope Of 'American' Immigration
- David Gerber defines the book as focused on voluntary international migration to what became the United States.
- He excludes involuntary migrations like the Atlantic slave trade and territorial incorporations from his definition of immigration.
Three Pillars Framing Immigration
- Gerber identifies three central themes: laws/policies, migration waves and immigrant experiences, and national identity conflicts.
- He links policy cycles to shifting public opinion and major legal changes like the 1965 revision that reshaped immigration sources.
Waves And The 1965 Turning Point
- Major immigration waves shifted geographically and ethnically across centuries, including Europe and East Asia.
- The 1965 law ended many race-based quotas and launched a demographic shift toward non-European immigration.
