American Immigration: A Student Companion

This single-volume encyclopedia includes more than 300 entries, covering multiple aspects of immigration history and policy:
* ethnic groups, including census and immigration statistics, major periods of immigration and areas of settlement, predominant religion, and historical background
* key immigration legislation, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, Immigration Act of 1990, and Refugee Act of 1980
* terms and concepts, including green card, quota system, citizen, naturalization, picture brides, and nativism
* categories of immigrants, including refugees, indentured servants, children, and exiles
* immigration stations: Angel Island, Castle Garden, and Ellis Island * religious groups and churches, such as Amish, Huguenots, Muslims, and Eastern Rite churches
* further reading lists and cross-references follow each entry
An introductory essay provides a cogent overview of the entire scope of the book. More than 150 photographs and illustrations complement the entries. Statistical boxes supplement the articles with key information. A list of immigration, ethnic, and refugee organizations; a guide to further research that includes books, museums, and websites; and a detailed chronology conclude this useful resource for research in American history, ethnic and multicultural studies, and genealogy.