Not Fit for Our Society: Immigration and Nativism in America

Not Fit for Our Society traces the history of anti-immigrant sentiment and nativism in America from colonial times through the present day. Schrag examines the recurring patterns and rhetoric used to oppose newcomers across different eras of U.S. immigration. The book documents key historical moments and movements, including the Know-Nothing Party of the 1850s, the Chinese Exclusion Act, the eugenics movement, and modern immigration debates. Primary sources and historical records reveal how similar arguments about immigrant "undesirability" resurface repeatedly, with different groups targeted in different periods. Through case studies and analysis, Schrag explores how economic anxieties, cultural fears, and pseudo-scientific claims have shaped immigration policy and public attitudes. The narrative connects historical examples to contemporary immigration discourse and policies. The work provides a framework for understanding how American identity and ideas about assimilation continue to influence views on immigration and citizenship. By exposing persistent patterns in anti-immigrant rhetoric, the book raises questions about national values and inclusion versus exclusion.

Readers describe this as a comprehensive historical examination of anti-immigration sentiment in America. Most reviews come from academic audiences rather than general readers. Readers appreciated: - Detailed research and extensive citations - Clear connections between historical and modern immigration debates - Balanced analysis of both pro- and anti-immigration arguments Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and dense - Too much focus on California compared to other regions - Some readers found it repetitive in later chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (23 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 ratings) One academic reviewer noted: "Schrag effectively demonstrates how anti-immigrant rhetoric recycles through American history." Several readers mentioned the book helped them understand current immigration debates in historical context. A critical review on Amazon stated: "The author seems to dismiss legitimate concerns about immigration's economic impacts, focusing instead on racial/ethnic aspects."

The Guarded Gate by Daniel Okrent This history documents how American political leaders used eugenics and racism to restrict immigration in the early 20th century.

American Immigration by Maldwyn Allen Jones The text chronicles immigration to America from colonial times through the 20th century, focusing on policy shifts and cultural reactions.

Impossible Subjects by Mae M. Ngai The book examines how immigration law and policy created the concept of illegal aliens in modern America.

Strangers in the Land by John Higham This study traces the development of American nativism and anti-immigrant movements from 1860 to 1925.

The Politics of Immigration by Tom K. Wong The work analyzes immigration policy formation in the United States through statistical data and historical records.

🔹 The book's author, Peter Schrag, served as editorial page editor of the Sacramento Bee for 19 years and has written extensively about California politics and immigration issues. 🔹 The title "Not Fit for Our Society" comes from a quote by Benjamin Franklin, who ironically expressed concerns about German immigrants to America in 1751, claiming they would never adopt English customs or language. 🔹 The book traces nativist sentiments from the Colonial era through modern times, revealing how similar anti-immigrant arguments have been recycled for different ethnic groups over 250+ years of American history. 🔹 Despite being published in 2010, the book predicted many of the immigration debates and policy conflicts that would emerge in the following decade, including battles over border walls and citizenship questions. 🔹 The author draws parallels between historical anti-Catholic and anti-Asian movements in America and contemporary anti-Muslim and anti-Latino sentiment, demonstrating recurring patterns in nativist rhetoric.