What do you think?
Rate this book
The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers
The go-to book on immigration: fact-based, comprehensive, and nonpartisan.
Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in the United States and everywhere else. Pundits, politicians, and the public usually depict immigrants as either villains or victims. The villain narrative is that immigrants pose a threat—to our economy because they steal our jobs; our way of life because they change our culture; and to our safety and laws because of their criminality. The victim argument tells us that immigrants are needy outsiders—the poor, huddled masses whom we must help at our own cost if necessary. But the data clearly debunks both narratives. From jobs, investment, and innovation to cultural vitality and national security, more immigration has an overwhelmingly positive impact on everything that makes a society successful.
In The Truth About Immigration, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez draws from nearly 20 years of research to answer all the big questions about immigration. He combines moving personal stories with rigorous research to offer an accessible, apolitical, and evidence-based look at how newcomers affect our local communities and our nation. You'll learn about the overlooked impact of immigrants on investment and job creation; realize how much we take for granted the novel technologies, products, and businesses newcomers create; get the facts straight about perennial concerns like jobs, crime, and undocumented immigrants; and gain new perspectives on misunderstood issues such as the border, taxes, and assimilation.
Most books making a case for immigration tell you that immigration is good for immigrants. This book is all about how newcomers benefit you, your community, and your country. Skeptics fear that newcomers compete economically with locals because of their similarities and fail to socially assimilate because of their differences. You'll see that it's exactly the opposite: newcomers bring enduring economic benefits because of their differences and contribute positively to society because of their similarities. Destined to become the go-to book on one of the most important issues of our time, this book turns fear into hope by proving a simple truth: immigrants are essential for economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations.
Immigration is one of the most controversial topics in the United States and everywhere else. Pundits, politicians, and the public usually depict immigrants as either villains or victims. The villain narrative is that immigrants pose a threat—to our economy because they steal our jobs; our way of life because they change our culture; and to our safety and laws because of their criminality. The victim argument tells us that immigrants are needy outsiders—the poor, huddled masses whom we must help at our own cost if necessary. But the data clearly debunks both narratives. From jobs, investment, and innovation to cultural vitality and national security, more immigration has an overwhelmingly positive impact on everything that makes a society successful.
In The Truth About Immigration, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez draws from nearly 20 years of research to answer all the big questions about immigration. He combines moving personal stories with rigorous research to offer an accessible, apolitical, and evidence-based look at how newcomers affect our local communities and our nation. You'll learn about the overlooked impact of immigrants on investment and job creation; realize how much we take for granted the novel technologies, products, and businesses newcomers create; get the facts straight about perennial concerns like jobs, crime, and undocumented immigrants; and gain new perspectives on misunderstood issues such as the border, taxes, and assimilation.
Most books making a case for immigration tell you that immigration is good for immigrants. This book is all about how newcomers benefit you, your community, and your country. Skeptics fear that newcomers compete economically with locals because of their similarities and fail to socially assimilate because of their differences. You'll see that it's exactly the opposite: newcomers bring enduring economic benefits because of their differences and contribute positively to society because of their similarities. Destined to become the go-to book on one of the most important issues of our time, this book turns fear into hope by proving a simple truth: immigrants are essential for economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 31, 2024
5/5 stars. Now, more than ever, "The Truth About Immigration" is needed to shed light on a heavily debated topic in American politics and society.
Author and Wharton Professor Zeke Hernandez lays out his work in several concise sections; starting with the economic and financial impacts immigration has on countries and communities, followed by the societal impacts, and closes with a few of his own thoughts and suggestions on reform. Each part of this novel lays out the arguments currently used by opponents (ex. "Immigration takes jobs away from existing citizens" or "Immigrants commit crimes and increase the crime rates in the areas they live in") and clearly and patiently debunks each and every one of them, by analyzing the impact of innovation and patents, positive externalities that benefit countries that both receive and send immigrants, and the impact on government aid at the state and federal levels, as well as in the short and long-term. I appreciated as well that there's sufficient background and explanation on things like the visa application process, which is something I've frequently heard in passing on the news or through friends of friends, but had never looked into in detail.
The sections balance Hernandez's distinct explanations with references to studies either he or other researchers have conducted, and also include his own personal experiences and anecdotes, where we're able to learn that he emigrated from Uruguay to the U.S. for school, saw first-hand the difficulty of achieving financial stability and the need for relying on government aid, to the way he continues to give back to his present home country while still maintaining pride in his roots. He also gives nods to individuals he knows in his own life who have been impacted by immigration laws, tying in academic and legal terminology to actual people and stories.
My only complaint about this novel, and is most likely because it is an early ARC as well as a digital copy, is that a number of charts/graphs/tables that were referenced in the book either did not display, or displayed very poorly on my e-reader, but I'm sure that will be addressed in future copies. (My only other complaint that I wasn't able to take a class with Professor Hernandez while I was at Wharton, but he unfortunately wasn't teaching then.)
Very much a recommended read for when "The Truth about Immigration" is published in June 2024!
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this novel!
Author and Wharton Professor Zeke Hernandez lays out his work in several concise sections; starting with the economic and financial impacts immigration has on countries and communities, followed by the societal impacts, and closes with a few of his own thoughts and suggestions on reform. Each part of this novel lays out the arguments currently used by opponents (ex. "Immigration takes jobs away from existing citizens" or "Immigrants commit crimes and increase the crime rates in the areas they live in") and clearly and patiently debunks each and every one of them, by analyzing the impact of innovation and patents, positive externalities that benefit countries that both receive and send immigrants, and the impact on government aid at the state and federal levels, as well as in the short and long-term. I appreciated as well that there's sufficient background and explanation on things like the visa application process, which is something I've frequently heard in passing on the news or through friends of friends, but had never looked into in detail.
The sections balance Hernandez's distinct explanations with references to studies either he or other researchers have conducted, and also include his own personal experiences and anecdotes, where we're able to learn that he emigrated from Uruguay to the U.S. for school, saw first-hand the difficulty of achieving financial stability and the need for relying on government aid, to the way he continues to give back to his present home country while still maintaining pride in his roots. He also gives nods to individuals he knows in his own life who have been impacted by immigration laws, tying in academic and legal terminology to actual people and stories.
My only complaint about this novel, and is most likely because it is an early ARC as well as a digital copy, is that a number of charts/graphs/tables that were referenced in the book either did not display, or displayed very poorly on my e-reader, but I'm sure that will be addressed in future copies. (My only other complaint that I wasn't able to take a class with Professor Hernandez while I was at Wharton, but he unfortunately wasn't teaching then.)
Very much a recommended read for when "The Truth about Immigration" is published in June 2024!
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the advance copy of this novel!
July 22, 2024
This is a book I’d recommend to absolutely everyone.
It was extremely well-written, and well-researched. The author, Zeke Hernandez, presented the information in an interesting way and didn’t shy away from answering the hard questions, I also feel like he owned his bias and managed to present his case in a bi-partisan way.
I was hooked by the introduction, in which Hernandez claims that immigrants in the United States political and conversational sphere are presented in one of two ways:
1) They are villains: they steal jobs, commit crimes, and change the cultural and moral dynamics of a community. They come here illegally and are plentiful.
2) They are victims: they are poor, unfortunate people who desperately need the stability and generosity of the US and it our moral responsibility to open our doors.
Instead, Hernandez argues that the truth is that while immigrants can benefit from immigrating to the US, the full story is how much our community benefits having them here. This attitude shifts the conversation from fear, or simply tolerance, to humility and excitement about the potential of newcomers to our country. He never loses sight of this argument and supports it in countless ways.
I learned so much. While I’ve been in favor of immigration for a long time, this book helps me articulate my beliefs in a much more compelling way.
This is written by an economist, so there’s a lot of data and at times it is a denser topic (immigration policy is not straight-forward), but I loved the personal stories and thought the material was still engaging.
This is one of my best reads of 2024.
It was extremely well-written, and well-researched. The author, Zeke Hernandez, presented the information in an interesting way and didn’t shy away from answering the hard questions, I also feel like he owned his bias and managed to present his case in a bi-partisan way.
I was hooked by the introduction, in which Hernandez claims that immigrants in the United States political and conversational sphere are presented in one of two ways:
1) They are villains: they steal jobs, commit crimes, and change the cultural and moral dynamics of a community. They come here illegally and are plentiful.
2) They are victims: they are poor, unfortunate people who desperately need the stability and generosity of the US and it our moral responsibility to open our doors.
Instead, Hernandez argues that the truth is that while immigrants can benefit from immigrating to the US, the full story is how much our community benefits having them here. This attitude shifts the conversation from fear, or simply tolerance, to humility and excitement about the potential of newcomers to our country. He never loses sight of this argument and supports it in countless ways.
I learned so much. While I’ve been in favor of immigration for a long time, this book helps me articulate my beliefs in a much more compelling way.
This is written by an economist, so there’s a lot of data and at times it is a denser topic (immigration policy is not straight-forward), but I loved the personal stories and thought the material was still engaging.
This is one of my best reads of 2024.
May 13, 2024
“The bottom line: immigrants are net positive contributors to everything that makes a society successful.”
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Books like this are so important. Zeke Hernandez delves deeply into the topic of immigration and how it affects societies as a whole. There is so much relevant information presented that supports the use that immigration is inherently good. A lot of what people assume about immigration is false and is purported by news outlets to instill fear. But in reality, immigration is good for countries.
This book tackles the idea that immigrants cause crime rates to go up and that immigrants are taking jobs, among others. There is no evidence to back these claims up, and Hernandez does a really great job is laying out all of the evidence. He also really connects his own experience as an immigrant.
It can be a little dense in information that sometimes feels just a little bit boring. But the information in this book is really important, especially considering our current political climate and the amount of misinformation.
June 30, 2024
This was a thought-provoking read. Zeke Hernandez's book is dense with statistics and data which are needed to back up his claims, but he lays it all out in a way that allows most anyone to make sense of it. The book is divided into two parts which focus on the economic and the social impacts of immigration, both documented and undocumented. The information he shares is detailed and convincing, and he even offers suggestions for policy changes. The question in still grappling with is how do we get this information into the hands of those making policy decisions, and perhaps more importantly, those who need convincing.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 7, 2024
This is a fantastic book on immigration. The authors ability to weave economic, cultural, and societal questions into one text makes it a great primer on the issues. Regardless of where you land on questions of immigration, Hernandez gives compelling arguments backed by peer-reviewed research to help give clarity to the current situation. Especially in this political year, and especially as we pass 100 years since the 1924 Immigration Act, this is a timely book that everyone should read.
June 3, 2024
I finished reading The Truth about Immigration by Zeke Hernandez and I have some things to say. The book is a mantra that successful societies welcome newcomers…. Alright let's take this to a real world perspective.
Firstly as an immigrant myself, I understand this better than anyone. I believe in immigration done right, what is happening now isn’t a success.
Firstly jobs. I am going to use where I live in Alberta, to explain why this book has a serious flaw in what it has to say.
An Indian family came to Alberta from India and bought 5 Tim Horton franchises. Great, right? No. They came in, fired everyone and filled each one of the franchises with Indian people, Not one worker of any other nationality. It made headlines because these people who were let go, cannot find work now, in a climate where jobs are already scarce. Lots of people are working more than one job just to make ends meet so immigration to an area with record low employment…. XXXXXXX
Schools. My son went to a large high school and graduated 4 years ago. His school was at 1066 children then which was max capacity. My daughter graduated last year and the total of kids? 1671. 50% over capacity and climbing. This is the reality for almost 55% of schools in Alberta. My daughter couldn’t get a locker so had to walk with a whole day's worth of textbooks in her bag and nowhere to put snow boots so her feet froze in the winter months because snow boots in the school weren't allowed and her back was killing her by the end of the day. WINNING! I can't even imagine how hard it is now after the influx of refugees. My young kids are in elementary school and my youngest daughter is a kindergarten student. She has 5 kids in her class who don’t speak a lick of English and there is no money from the school board to help the ONE teacher in the room. Oh yes, this is an actual fact. The mothers are lovely and also speak little to no english. This isn’t successful immigration. When we moved here, we had to prove we were fluent in 1 of the 2 languages.
This mass immigration did not put more money in the coffers like this book suggests because they CUT money from healthcare, schools, disability programs (I have 2 special needs kids so this was a HUGE problem for us), roads and more. The taxes on homes go up but less gets done every single year. Maybe it's not an immigration issue here but putting a strain on an already strained system doesn’t help the kids or the parents.
Let's talk about homes. Rentals. Inflation has caused the cost of units to go up considerably but also the lack of vacancies as well. Alberta used to sit between 6% and 10% vacancies for rental properties at any given time. Today, it's <1%. People are paying even more for tiny places with slumlords because the amount of people who moved here, have nowhere to live. We have tent cities here in a city that has weather as low as -50% in winter. Again, this seems feasible to the author? It’s a sad reality that immigration when it is not done right, causes overpopulation and then a lack of resources. 800,000 albertas have no family doc because again, too many people. Infrastructure cannot keep up. Our electricity grid almost crashed 3 times in one week because the grid could not handle all the people here.
Now this book does a lot of its stats in the USA which I cannot say for sure is right or wrong but what I do know is that this book is giving you a very one dimensional narrative that does not fit all everywhere. Mass immigration has made it almost impossible for young adults to even move out of their family home and home ownership? Forget about it. The house across the street was bought for $415,000 in 2019. It sold again in 2023 for $495,000. She sold it 6 weeks ago for an asking price of $599,000 (No renos) and it sold for $110,000 over asking within 3 days of being listed. YIKES. As an immigrant responsible immigration is necessary for infrastructure to keep up and what the USA and Canada is doing is NOT that. I disagree with nearly everything the author has to say about the topic as of today. 10 years ago? This book would have been on point. Houses are not being built. The cost to build has skyrocketed and blanking rezoning in our city has 70% of people in uproar.
3.5 stars because while I do not agree with the author, he went to a lot of effort to display his findings in an easy to understand fashion. My experience doesn’t match what he says but others may agree and don’t let my view sway you from checking this book out if immigration is something you are interested in.
Thanks @stmartinspress it was an interesting read
Firstly as an immigrant myself, I understand this better than anyone. I believe in immigration done right, what is happening now isn’t a success.
Firstly jobs. I am going to use where I live in Alberta, to explain why this book has a serious flaw in what it has to say.
An Indian family came to Alberta from India and bought 5 Tim Horton franchises. Great, right? No. They came in, fired everyone and filled each one of the franchises with Indian people, Not one worker of any other nationality. It made headlines because these people who were let go, cannot find work now, in a climate where jobs are already scarce. Lots of people are working more than one job just to make ends meet so immigration to an area with record low employment…. XXXXXXX
Schools. My son went to a large high school and graduated 4 years ago. His school was at 1066 children then which was max capacity. My daughter graduated last year and the total of kids? 1671. 50% over capacity and climbing. This is the reality for almost 55% of schools in Alberta. My daughter couldn’t get a locker so had to walk with a whole day's worth of textbooks in her bag and nowhere to put snow boots so her feet froze in the winter months because snow boots in the school weren't allowed and her back was killing her by the end of the day. WINNING! I can't even imagine how hard it is now after the influx of refugees. My young kids are in elementary school and my youngest daughter is a kindergarten student. She has 5 kids in her class who don’t speak a lick of English and there is no money from the school board to help the ONE teacher in the room. Oh yes, this is an actual fact. The mothers are lovely and also speak little to no english. This isn’t successful immigration. When we moved here, we had to prove we were fluent in 1 of the 2 languages.
This mass immigration did not put more money in the coffers like this book suggests because they CUT money from healthcare, schools, disability programs (I have 2 special needs kids so this was a HUGE problem for us), roads and more. The taxes on homes go up but less gets done every single year. Maybe it's not an immigration issue here but putting a strain on an already strained system doesn’t help the kids or the parents.
Let's talk about homes. Rentals. Inflation has caused the cost of units to go up considerably but also the lack of vacancies as well. Alberta used to sit between 6% and 10% vacancies for rental properties at any given time. Today, it's <1%. People are paying even more for tiny places with slumlords because the amount of people who moved here, have nowhere to live. We have tent cities here in a city that has weather as low as -50% in winter. Again, this seems feasible to the author? It’s a sad reality that immigration when it is not done right, causes overpopulation and then a lack of resources. 800,000 albertas have no family doc because again, too many people. Infrastructure cannot keep up. Our electricity grid almost crashed 3 times in one week because the grid could not handle all the people here.
Now this book does a lot of its stats in the USA which I cannot say for sure is right or wrong but what I do know is that this book is giving you a very one dimensional narrative that does not fit all everywhere. Mass immigration has made it almost impossible for young adults to even move out of their family home and home ownership? Forget about it. The house across the street was bought for $415,000 in 2019. It sold again in 2023 for $495,000. She sold it 6 weeks ago for an asking price of $599,000 (No renos) and it sold for $110,000 over asking within 3 days of being listed. YIKES. As an immigrant responsible immigration is necessary for infrastructure to keep up and what the USA and Canada is doing is NOT that. I disagree with nearly everything the author has to say about the topic as of today. 10 years ago? This book would have been on point. Houses are not being built. The cost to build has skyrocketed and blanking rezoning in our city has 70% of people in uproar.
3.5 stars because while I do not agree with the author, he went to a lot of effort to display his findings in an easy to understand fashion. My experience doesn’t match what he says but others may agree and don’t let my view sway you from checking this book out if immigration is something you are interested in.
Thanks @stmartinspress it was an interesting read
April 22, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" by Zeke Hernandez is a groundbreaking exploration of immigration that challenges prevailing narratives. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking book, Hernandez dismantles common misconceptions and provides a fresh perspective on the impact of newcomers.
Overview:
Immigration remains a contentious topic, often framed as a binary choice between viewing immigrants as either villains or victims. Hernandez deftly navigates beyond these simplistic narratives, presenting a comprehensive analysis that transcends partisan lines. His work is a beacon of clarity in a sea of noise.
Key Themes:
1. Economic Benefits:
- Contrary to fears that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they contribute significantly to economic growth. Their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and investment bolster local economies.
- The book sheds light on the overlooked impact of immigrants on job creation, emphasizing how their differences—rather than similarities—enhance economic vitality.
2. Cultural Enrichment:
- Hernandez celebrates the cultural vibrancy that immigrants bring. Their traditions, languages, and perspectives enrich societies, fostering creativity and understanding.
- Rather than threatening core values, immigrants contribute to a dynamic cultural tapestry.
3. National Security and Assimilation:
- Addressing concerns about safety, Hernandez provides evidence that immigrants are not inherently criminal. In fact, they often contribute positively to society.
- Assimilation, he argues, occurs organically as newcomers adapt to their surroundings while retaining their unique identities.
Writing Style:
Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making the book accessible and engaging. His apolitical approach ensures that readers receive an evidence-based understanding of immigration.
"The Truth About Immigration" is not just about immigrants; it's about how they benefit us all. Skeptics will find their assumptions challenged, and optimists will discover a compelling case for embracing newcomers. Hernandez's work is essential reading for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of this critical issue.
In a world often divided, this book reminds us that successful societies thrive when they welcome those who arrive with hope, resilience, and a desire to contribute.
Zeke Hernandez has crafted a powerful narrative—one that transforms fear into hope and underscores the essential role immigrants play in shaping our collective future. 🌎🗽
"The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" by Zeke Hernandez is a groundbreaking exploration of immigration that challenges prevailing narratives. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking book, Hernandez dismantles common misconceptions and provides a fresh perspective on the impact of newcomers.
Overview:
Immigration remains a contentious topic, often framed as a binary choice between viewing immigrants as either villains or victims. Hernandez deftly navigates beyond these simplistic narratives, presenting a comprehensive analysis that transcends partisan lines. His work is a beacon of clarity in a sea of noise.
Key Themes:
1. Economic Benefits:
- Contrary to fears that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they contribute significantly to economic growth. Their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and investment bolster local economies.
- The book sheds light on the overlooked impact of immigrants on job creation, emphasizing how their differences—rather than similarities—enhance economic vitality.
2. Cultural Enrichment:
- Hernandez celebrates the cultural vibrancy that immigrants bring. Their traditions, languages, and perspectives enrich societies, fostering creativity and understanding.
- Rather than threatening core values, immigrants contribute to a dynamic cultural tapestry.
3. National Security and Assimilation:
- Addressing concerns about safety, Hernandez provides evidence that immigrants are not inherently criminal. In fact, they often contribute positively to society.
- Assimilation, he argues, occurs organically as newcomers adapt to their surroundings while retaining their unique identities.
Writing Style:
Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making the book accessible and engaging. His apolitical approach ensures that readers receive an evidence-based understanding of immigration.
"The Truth About Immigration" is not just about immigrants; it's about how they benefit us all. Skeptics will find their assumptions challenged, and optimists will discover a compelling case for embracing newcomers. Hernandez's work is essential reading for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of this critical issue.
In a world often divided, this book reminds us that successful societies thrive when they welcome those who arrive with hope, resilience, and a desire to contribute.
Zeke Hernandez has crafted a powerful narrative—one that transforms fear into hope and underscores the essential role immigrants play in shaping our collective future. 🌎🗽
June 26, 2024
Embrace diversity, reject fear.
How did the book make me feel/think?
You either believe most people are good and pursuing happiness, or you think bad people are coming for your stuff. This mindset suggests a delusion that you’ve transcended your origins. Every political cycle in the USA brings up merit-based immigration to keep the USA on top. But what happens to the rest if the USA only allows the best in (and besides, who decides best?)? The bad people are already here—they are American groomed—why fear those from other lands?
I work with people from eight different countries, enriching my life and broadening my understanding.
Stop whining about immigration. Being born here doesn’t entitle us to everything. Let others share the burdens of consumption, like crippling debt. Saying “I’m not racist, I have a black friend” doesn’t change the reality of prejudice.
Most people are good. That’s what I believe, and this book reinforced that. America’s delusion is that everyone wants to live there (they don’t). Most people only want a slice of happiness. As one of the largest countries in the world, the USA has room for newcomers to enhance American lives with new foods, music, and vibes. Could you imagine if the 50 states of America were their own countries—the crisis then?
Imagine opening your closet to find only stiff white dress shirts—how boring! Now, picture it bursting with a colourful array of fabrics. Your closet springs to life, just like every country with diversity.
“The Truth About Immigration” by Zeke Hernandez should be read by everyone fearing immigration. Zeke debunks many myths but misses the mark because he 'can’t write out' his sense of entitlement, even as an immigrant. Statistical data is fine, but it misses the beautiful pulse of immigration.
WRITTEN: 26 June 2024
How did the book make me feel/think?
You either believe most people are good and pursuing happiness, or you think bad people are coming for your stuff. This mindset suggests a delusion that you’ve transcended your origins. Every political cycle in the USA brings up merit-based immigration to keep the USA on top. But what happens to the rest if the USA only allows the best in (and besides, who decides best?)? The bad people are already here—they are American groomed—why fear those from other lands?
I work with people from eight different countries, enriching my life and broadening my understanding.
Stop whining about immigration. Being born here doesn’t entitle us to everything. Let others share the burdens of consumption, like crippling debt. Saying “I’m not racist, I have a black friend” doesn’t change the reality of prejudice.
Most people are good. That’s what I believe, and this book reinforced that. America’s delusion is that everyone wants to live there (they don’t). Most people only want a slice of happiness. As one of the largest countries in the world, the USA has room for newcomers to enhance American lives with new foods, music, and vibes. Could you imagine if the 50 states of America were their own countries—the crisis then?
Imagine opening your closet to find only stiff white dress shirts—how boring! Now, picture it bursting with a colourful array of fabrics. Your closet springs to life, just like every country with diversity.
“The Truth About Immigration” by Zeke Hernandez should be read by everyone fearing immigration. Zeke debunks many myths but misses the mark because he 'can’t write out' his sense of entitlement, even as an immigrant. Statistical data is fine, but it misses the beautiful pulse of immigration.
WRITTEN: 26 June 2024
July 1, 2024
In this timely, informative, and straightforward book, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez draws on twenty years of research into American immigration, supplemented with personal narratives, statistics, and facts, to identify the benefits and effects of immigrants and immigration in twenty-first century America. Situating the modern results in a history of American immigration law, modern economics, and sociological theories, Hernandez presents a case for immigration being intrinsic to American success and the overall positive impact of immigration on everyday facets of American life. Debunking the villain and victim narratives of immigrants, Hernandez’s work is fascinatingly complex, and he breaks down the socio-economic impacts and effects of immigration on several aspects of American life. With an educated, informative tone, Hernandez still engages the reader with his friendly and digestible word choice, breaking down these more complex topics so that readers from all backgrounds will understand the importance of this topic. The balance of anecdotes and statistics further humanizes immigrants, giving a face to the statistics, stereotypes, and narratives which are so present in politics and the news. A must-read for academics in relevant fields and for those who want to learn more about immigration than what the news machine shares, Hernandez’s book is approachable and digestible in its approach to immigration and its place in American society.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy.
June 20, 2024
This is an excellent book for anyone trying to understand the current state of US immigration policy and its history. It covers some of the key reasons why immigration is a net positive for the US with evidence based data. One of the key findings is the absolute positive impact of undocumented immigrants i.e. those that are not inspected at the border or overstay their visa. I am grateful to the author for addressing this topic.
Another eye opening revelation for me was that Mexico had an open border with the US prior to 1965 and it did not cause a rush of people to come to the US; nor did the UK allowing residents of the European Union to live there as of 2004.
For those that say, immigrants should “get in line”, the author explains that there are very few legal ways to become a US citizen. The fact is, for the overwhelming majority of people there is no way to immigrate to the US legally. The paths that are available are extremely competitive if not prohibitive. Almost all the paths take many years, some more than a decade due to country limits and severe restrictions on the number of legal immigrants allowed per category.
In short, all issues can be addressed by building more housing, providing more opportunities for education, and allowing immigrants to create jobs for themselves and others.
If you have anti-immigration friends and family members this is a must-read book for you.
Another eye opening revelation for me was that Mexico had an open border with the US prior to 1965 and it did not cause a rush of people to come to the US; nor did the UK allowing residents of the European Union to live there as of 2004.
For those that say, immigrants should “get in line”, the author explains that there are very few legal ways to become a US citizen. The fact is, for the overwhelming majority of people there is no way to immigrate to the US legally. The paths that are available are extremely competitive if not prohibitive. Almost all the paths take many years, some more than a decade due to country limits and severe restrictions on the number of legal immigrants allowed per category.
In short, all issues can be addressed by building more housing, providing more opportunities for education, and allowing immigrants to create jobs for themselves and others.
If you have anti-immigration friends and family members this is a must-read book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
Zeke Hernandez is optimistic and hopeful about immigration all while addressing this pressing national policy issue in a quite realistic manner. He begins this very good work by pointing out his birth in Uruguay, his move to the United States for educational opportunities, and how he is a prime example of the new citizen succeeding in the new country. And the "truth" about immigration that Hernandez addresses is that immigration is generally a win-win situation for both the immigrant and our nation. Hernandez' book is really two books in one. The first part addresses the myriad of economic considerations: from the nation that the immigrant steals jobs and work from native Americans to the many successful ways that immigrants have actually strengthened and benefitted our nation and its economy. The second part of the book focuses on the social impact of immigration. Here, Hernandez also finds that immigrants do change our society and culture. But these changes do generally enrich our nation with the vibrancy and enthusiasm the immigrants bring to their newly adopted homes. This is a book hat should be as widely read as possible. There are so many lessons to be learned about the "real" impact of immigration and our people.
June 25, 2024
I don't generally gravitate towards nonfiction books, as I prefer my reading time to be more geared to relaxation and enjoyment, especially considering how many years I've been in school over the decades, but the description of this book grabbed me enough to make me take a chance and I'm so glad I did.
This isn't a book to be read quicky; you really need to take your time to absorb it and mull over the information being shared. There is a certain level of density to the statistics which can feel daunting, but overall the writing is very inclusive and easy to digest. I think this is a very important read for everyone, no matter what their stance on immigration is, and I hope that those who are generally opposed to changes in the system find themselves willing to take a chance on being educated and perhaps open their minds on this incredibly relevant topic.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This isn't a book to be read quicky; you really need to take your time to absorb it and mull over the information being shared. There is a certain level of density to the statistics which can feel daunting, but overall the writing is very inclusive and easy to digest. I think this is a very important read for everyone, no matter what their stance on immigration is, and I hope that those who are generally opposed to changes in the system find themselves willing to take a chance on being educated and perhaps open their minds on this incredibly relevant topic.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 3, 2024
This is a timely and important book that addresses a lot of the misconceptions and misinformation regarding immigration. Hernandez explains his points from the point of view of someone who has a lived experience with immigration but also as someone who is a respected researcher in the field. When explaining his ideas, Hernandez gives the readers challenges so that we can confront our own assumptions about what we think we know.
One of most important points of the book, obviously, is how immigrants can help societies. Instead of reacting with fear, it makes more sense to be rational, especially with something this important. This book could benefit anyone who has questions about immigration and the effects immigration really has on society. The audiobook is a great choice because the narration is clear, direct, and friendly, making the information easily accessible.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook
One of most important points of the book, obviously, is how immigrants can help societies. Instead of reacting with fear, it makes more sense to be rational, especially with something this important. This book could benefit anyone who has questions about immigration and the effects immigration really has on society. The audiobook is a great choice because the narration is clear, direct, and friendly, making the information easily accessible.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook
July 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
I would encourage everyone to read this book.
I am not now, nor have I ever been "anti-immigration". However, this nonpartisan and fact-based explination was eye opening to so many misconceptions and reservations that I have knowingly, and unknowingly, struggled with on this topic.
While the author is pushing A LOT of information at the reader, and rightly so; he also goes beyond the facts to explain what it all means in a way that's relatively easy to understand. He's done twenty years of research on this, and it shows.
“The bottom line: immigrants are net positive contributors to everything that makes a society successful.”
Thank you to the Libro.fm Librarian ALC program, Macmillan Audio, and the author for this complimentary Audiobook Listening Copy. The narration was easy to follow and a pleasure to listen to.
I would encourage everyone to read this book.
I am not now, nor have I ever been "anti-immigration". However, this nonpartisan and fact-based explination was eye opening to so many misconceptions and reservations that I have knowingly, and unknowingly, struggled with on this topic.
While the author is pushing A LOT of information at the reader, and rightly so; he also goes beyond the facts to explain what it all means in a way that's relatively easy to understand. He's done twenty years of research on this, and it shows.
“The bottom line: immigrants are net positive contributors to everything that makes a society successful.”
Thank you to the Libro.fm Librarian ALC program, Macmillan Audio, and the author for this complimentary Audiobook Listening Copy. The narration was easy to follow and a pleasure to listen to.
June 19, 2024
In a field often marked by strong opinions and sweeping generalizations, Wharton professor Zeke Hernandez provides insightful truths about immigration. The bottom line? Immigration profoundly benefits the host country in many ways, especially economically. This book is not only an easy read, filled with interesting stories and examples, but it also cites numerous studies that closely examine the critical questions many have about immigration. Hernandez makes a compelling case that our current immigration laws are woefully outdated and misinformed, ultimately hindering American growth and progress. I highly recommend this book and hope these facts and ideas become part of the public discourse on immigration policy.
July 24, 2024
The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers by Zeke Hernandez is a very timely book.. Though not a quick read, it goes far in dispelling a lot of the misinformation circulating about immigrants. The author's own experience as an immigrant along with his educational background helped lend authenticity to the book. I did get a bit bogged down in the occasional sections of statistics, but appreciated the historical background and personal stories. It also was a great follow-up to recent memoirs I've read about the immigrant experience. Thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and the auth0r for a copy to read and review.
June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to The Truth About Immigration, read by the author. I learned so much about the benefits countries and their existing citizens reap when immigrants enter their country. This book does a great job of addressing and correcting misconceptions about immigrants and immigration, particularly as it impacts America. The author's narration was easy and enjoyable to listen to. I appreciated that the information shared in the book comes from over 20 years of research and that he also interspersed his personal experiences as an immigrant into it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy of this audiobook.
July 22, 2024
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥: 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜𝒷���𝑜𝓀
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐀 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐲𝐞-𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨. 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲!
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒵𝑒𝓀𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝓃𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓏, 𝑀𝒶𝒸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐀 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐲𝐞-𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨. 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲!
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝒵𝑒𝓀𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝓇𝓃𝒶𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓏, 𝑀𝒶𝒸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒶𝓃 𝒜𝓊𝒹𝒾𝑜, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
July 14, 2024
Fabulous with my Professor Hernandez. A powerful argument that we should not construct Immigration policy out of fear or pity, but in the clear economic advantages it provides for the country. Addressing many of the widely held mistaken beliefs about immigrants, Hernandez clearly demonstrates that immigration is vital to the US and that change in national policy is necessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
I'd give this 10 stars if I could. One of the best books I've read in a while. Thank you Zeke.
May 3, 2024
Immigration is a topic that often sparks heated debates, with pundits, politicians, and the public portraying immigrants either as villains or victims. But what if we took a fact-based, comprehensive, and nonpartisan look at immigration? Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton professor, does just that in “The Truth About Immigration,” his groundbreaking book.
Drawing from nearly 20 years of research, Hernandez dispels common misconceptions and provides an evidence-based perspective on how newcomers impact our local communities and our nation. As someone who is a First Generation in their family, I appreciate this book on so many levels.
Contrary to the belief that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they actually contribute to job creation and investment. Their novel technologies, products, and businesses enrich our economy. Rather than competing with locals, newcomers bring unique skills and perspectives that enhance economic prosperity.
Immigrants enrich our cultural fabric. They introduce new traditions, foods, art, and music. Our way of life is not threatened by their presence; it is enriched by it. Hernandez emphasizes that successful societies actively welcome and embrace cultural diversity.
Debunking fears about safety, Hernandez shows that immigrants are not a threat to our security. In fact, they often become law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society. Assimilation is a two-way process, and immigrants play a crucial role in shaping our collective identity.
Addressing perennial concerns, Hernandez sheds light on undocumented immigrants. Rather than being a burden, they contribute to our economy and society. A fair and compassionate approach is essential to harness their potential.
Hernandez provides a balanced view of border control and tax implications. He emphasizes that a well-managed immigration system benefits everyone. It's not about open borders but about smart policies that recognize the value of newcomers.
“The Truth About Immigration” is more than just a defence of immigrants; it's a celebration of their essential role in building economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations. Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making this book accessible and apolitical.
In a world where fear often dominates the immigration discourse, Hernandez turns that fear into hope. He reminds us that immigrants are not outsiders to be pitied or feared; they are integral to our shared success. Whether you're an advocate for immigration or a skeptic, this book will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a deeper understanding of the complex issue.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Drawing from nearly 20 years of research, Hernandez dispels common misconceptions and provides an evidence-based perspective on how newcomers impact our local communities and our nation. As someone who is a First Generation in their family, I appreciate this book on so many levels.
Contrary to the belief that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they actually contribute to job creation and investment. Their novel technologies, products, and businesses enrich our economy. Rather than competing with locals, newcomers bring unique skills and perspectives that enhance economic prosperity.
Immigrants enrich our cultural fabric. They introduce new traditions, foods, art, and music. Our way of life is not threatened by their presence; it is enriched by it. Hernandez emphasizes that successful societies actively welcome and embrace cultural diversity.
Debunking fears about safety, Hernandez shows that immigrants are not a threat to our security. In fact, they often become law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society. Assimilation is a two-way process, and immigrants play a crucial role in shaping our collective identity.
Addressing perennial concerns, Hernandez sheds light on undocumented immigrants. Rather than being a burden, they contribute to our economy and society. A fair and compassionate approach is essential to harness their potential.
Hernandez provides a balanced view of border control and tax implications. He emphasizes that a well-managed immigration system benefits everyone. It's not about open borders but about smart policies that recognize the value of newcomers.
“The Truth About Immigration” is more than just a defence of immigrants; it's a celebration of their essential role in building economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations. Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making this book accessible and apolitical.
In a world where fear often dominates the immigration discourse, Hernandez turns that fear into hope. He reminds us that immigrants are not outsiders to be pitied or feared; they are integral to our shared success. Whether you're an advocate for immigration or a skeptic, this book will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a deeper understanding of the complex issue.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 3, 2024
This was great, felt extremely well researched. But I fear the people who may need to read it the most are the people who will never read it. Did enjoy using the salsa factoid in casual conversation the other day.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews