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Reagan's War on Immigrants: The Seeds of Resistance, Justice, Power, and Politics

Terry Bell

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Published in Detention Empire: Reagan S War On Immigrants And The Seeds Of Resistance (Justice Power And Politics)

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In the annals of American history, the Reagan administration is often remembered for its conservative economic policies and its aggressive stance against communism. However, the Reagan era was also a time of great turmoil and division, particularly for immigrants.

Detention Empire: Reagan's War on Immigrants and the Seeds of Resistance (Justice, Power, and Politics)

by Angela Browne

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In his new book, Reagan's War on Immigrants: The Seeds of Resistance, Justice, Power, and Politics, historian Mae Ngai exposes the hidden history of the Reagan administration's assault on immigrants. Ngai argues that Reagan's policies, which included increased bFree Download patrols, mass deportations, and the criminalization of undocumented immigrants, were not simply the result of political expediency but rather part of a larger project to reshape American society in accordance with white supremacist ideology.

Ngai's book is a powerful and eye-opening account of a dark chapter in American history. She draws on a wealth of archival research and interviews to tell the stories of the immigrants who were targeted by the Reagan administration, as well as the activists who fought back against these racist policies. Ngai's work is essential reading for anyone who cares about social justice and the fight for human rights.

The Reagan Administration's War on Immigrants

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants began shortly after Reagan took office in 1981. In his first year in office, Reagan signed an executive Free Download that increased the number of bFree Download patrol agents by 50%. He also Free Downloaded the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to step up its enforcement of immigration laws, including the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

In 1986, Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA),which made it a crime for employers to hire undocumented immigrants. IRCA also created a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants who had been in the United States since 1982. However, the legalization process was complex and difficult, and only a small fraction of undocumented immigrants were able to take advantage of it.

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants had a devastating impact on immigrant communities. The number of deportations skyrocketed, and many undocumented immigrants were forced to live in fear of being deported. The criminalization of undocumented immigrants also led to increased discrimination and violence against immigrants.

The Seeds of Resistance

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants sparked a wave of resistance from immigrant activists. These activists organized protests, filed lawsuits, and lobbied Congress to change the laws. They also provided support to undocumented immigrants who were facing deportation.

One of the most important organizations that emerged during this period was the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA). CHIRLA was founded in 1985 by a group of immigrant activists who were concerned about the Reagan administration's policies. CHIRLA provided legal assistance to undocumented immigrants, organized protests, and lobbied for changes in the immigration laws.

The resistance to the Reagan administration's war on immigrants was successful in a number of ways. The protests and lawsuits helped to raise awareness of the issue of immigration, and they forced the government to reconsider its policies. The lobbying efforts of immigrant activists also led to changes in the immigration laws, such as the passage of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012.

Justice, Power, and Politics

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants was not simply a matter of policy. It was a reflection of the racist ideology that was prevalent in the United States at the time. This ideology was based on the belief that white Americans were superior to other races, and that immigrants were a threat to American society.

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants was also a way to assert power and control over immigrant communities. By criminalizing undocumented immigrants and making it more difficult for them to live in the United States, the Reagan administration was able to keep them in a state of vulnerability and fear.

The resistance to the Reagan administration's war on immigrants was a fight for justice. It was a fight for the rights of immigrants to live with dignity and respect. It was also a fight for the power to shape the future of American society.

Reagan's War on Immigrants: The Seeds of Resistance, Justice, Power, and Politics is a powerful and eye-opening account of a dark chapter in American history. Ngai's work is essential reading for anyone who cares about social justice and the fight for human rights.

The Reagan administration's war on immigrants was a failure. It did not make America safer or more prosperous. Instead, it created a climate of fear and division. The resistance to the Reagan administration's war on immigrants was a victory for justice and for the power of the human spirit.

Detention Empire: Reagan's War on Immigrants and the Seeds of Resistance (Justice, Power, and Politics)

by Angela Browne

4.8 out of 5