Description
Book SynopsisGreenport, New York, a village on the North Fork of Long Island, has become an exemplar of a little-noted national trend - immigrants spreading beyond the big coastal cities, driving much of rural population growth nationally. In
Village of Immigrants, Diana R. Gordon illustrates how small-town America has been revitalized by the arrival of these immigrants in Greenport, where she lives.
Trade Review"In taking on one town's immigration success story, Gordon has created a compelling framework for exploring a complex topic." * Publishers Weekly *
"Following an in-depth examination of immigration history in Greenport, from early whaling communities to the impact of Italian immigrant brick workers and beyond, Gordon investigates large-concept issues such as challenges facing immigrant children in the educational system, restrictions and inequalities in immigrant housing, labor rights for immigrant workers, and more ... Concise and accessible, this work is recommended for readers interested in immigrant concerns and their impact on American history, economy, and culture." * Library Journal *
"[A] lively and valuable contribution … thorough but not pedantic, granual at times, sweeping at others, and, at its core, a personal story." * The East Hampton Star *
"A worthwhile addition to any East End bookshelf." * East End Beacon *
"Diana Gordon does a good job bringing these immigrants to life, giving them a voice. By showing that they struggle to learn the language, get by in school, and find meaningful employment; they are trying to make the American dream happen. But as with all stories of immigrants there are those that do not want them around, and Mrs. Gordon does a good job showing that they exist as well." 5 star review * San Diego Book Review *
"
Village of Immigrants: Latinos in an Emerging America documents a U.S. trend of immigrants spreading beyond coastal cities into the rest of the country, and narrows the example to Greenport, New York, a village on Long Island which has seen many changes from an influx of Latinos. The author lives in this small town and so is in the perfect position to observe its evolution: chapters discuss taxes, schools, jobs, and local business evolution, showing how the influx has revitalized the town's entire structure and led to growth and positive results. Highly recommended." * California Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review *
"This beautifully written book tells what happens when small town America meets contemporary Latino immigration, an inspiring, yet also heartbreaking encounter between the American dream and the American dilemma. A compelling account and a deeply satisfying read." -- Roger Waldinger * author of The Cross-Border Connection: Immigrants, Emigrants, and their Homelands *
Table of ContentsPreface
Part I A Village Transformed
1 Hola, Greenport
Profile Lost and Found
Part II Absorbing Immigrants since 1840
2 The European Legacy
3 Boom, Bust, and Back Again
4 Migration from Within
5 Is Demographics Destiny?
Part III Classroom Challenges
6 Schooling New Citizens
Profile Edgar and the Blue Mosque
Part IV Settling In
7 Housing or Houses?
Profile Sofia’s Quest
Part V Toward Community Health
8 Cobbled Care
Profile An Accidental Nurse
Part VI Dilemmas of Control
9 Legal Limbo
Profile Deferred and Delivered
Part VII Working Lives
10 Where There’s a Will There’s a Job (or Two)
Profile Sacrifice and Success
Part VIII. Now What?
Profile The New American
11 A Small-Town Model?
Notes
Index
