After They Closed the Gates

Jewish Illegal Immigration to the United States, 1921-1965

Nonfiction, History, Jewish, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book After They Closed the Gates by Libby Garland, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Libby Garland ISBN: 9780226122595
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: March 28, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Libby Garland
ISBN: 9780226122595
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: March 28, 2014
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

In 1921 and 1924, the United States passed laws to sharply reduce the influx of immigrants into the country. By allocating only small quotas to the nations of southern and eastern Europe, and banning almost all immigration from Asia, the new laws were supposed to stem the tide of foreigners considered especially inferior and dangerous. However, immigrants continued to come, sailing into the port of New York with fake passports, or from Cuba to Florida, hidden in the holds of boats loaded with contraband liquor. Jews, one of the main targets of the quota laws, figured prominently in the new international underworld of illegal immigration. However, they ultimately managed to escape permanent association with the identity of the “illegal alien” in a way that other groups, such as Mexicans, thus far, have not.

In *After They Closed the Gates, *Libby Garland tells the untold stories of the Jewish migrants and smugglers involved in that underworld, showing how such stories contributed to growing national anxieties about illegal immigration. Garland also helps us understand how Jews were linked to, and then unlinked from, the specter of illegal immigration. By tracing this complex history, Garland offers compelling insights into the contingent nature of citizenship, belonging, and Americanness.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1921 and 1924, the United States passed laws to sharply reduce the influx of immigrants into the country. By allocating only small quotas to the nations of southern and eastern Europe, and banning almost all immigration from Asia, the new laws were supposed to stem the tide of foreigners considered especially inferior and dangerous. However, immigrants continued to come, sailing into the port of New York with fake passports, or from Cuba to Florida, hidden in the holds of boats loaded with contraband liquor. Jews, one of the main targets of the quota laws, figured prominently in the new international underworld of illegal immigration. However, they ultimately managed to escape permanent association with the identity of the “illegal alien” in a way that other groups, such as Mexicans, thus far, have not.

In *After They Closed the Gates, *Libby Garland tells the untold stories of the Jewish migrants and smugglers involved in that underworld, showing how such stories contributed to growing national anxieties about illegal immigration. Garland also helps us understand how Jews were linked to, and then unlinked from, the specter of illegal immigration. By tracing this complex history, Garland offers compelling insights into the contingent nature of citizenship, belonging, and Americanness.

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Urban Neighborhoods in a New Era by Libby Garland
Cover of the book Agenda Setting, Policies, and Political Systems by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The Cycling City by Libby Garland
Cover of the book Emile Durkheim on Institutional Analysis by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The Red Pavilion by Libby Garland
Cover of the book Education in a New Society by Libby Garland
Cover of the book At Lady Molly's by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The New Institutionalism in Organizational Analysis by Libby Garland
Cover of the book We Have Not a Government by Libby Garland
Cover of the book Spinoza's Critique of Religion by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The Five Life Decisions by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The Mourner by Libby Garland
Cover of the book The Intellectual Adventure of Ancient Man by Libby Garland
Cover of the book A Stricken Field by Libby Garland
Cover of the book Jane Austen's Cults and Cultures by Libby Garland
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy