We Are Americans (e-book) (used book) | bookbook.eu

Description

"This fascinating look at the next generation of undocumented immigrants unpacks the complexities of the debate and puts unforgettable human faces to its subjects. Perez plumbs the stories of students living with the constant threat of deportation for an answer to the question, "What does it mean to be an American?" No matter what one's position is on legalizing immigrants, this collection of inspiring, heartbreaking stories puts a number of unforgettable faces to the issue, making it impossible to defend any one side in easy terms or generalities."--Starred Web Pick of the Week, Publishers Weekly

"Paints a portrait of undocumented students that is as inspiring as it is tragic [and] emphasizes the need to rethink current immigration policies to be more inclusive and welcome immigrants as equal citizens who contribute to making America great."--California State Senator Gilbert Cedillo

Through the inspiring stories of 16 students--from seniors in high school to graduate students-- William Perez gives voice to the estimated 2.4 million undocumented students in the United States, and draws attention to their plight. These stories reveal how--despite financial hardship, living with the daily threat of deportation, restrictions of all sorts, and often in the face of discrimination by their teachers--so many are not just persisting in the American educational system, but achieving academically, and moreover often participating in service to their local communities. Perez reveals what drives these young people, and the visions they have for contributing to the country they call home.

Through these stories, this book draws attention to these students' predicament, to stimulate the debate about putting right a wrong not of their making, and to motivate more people to call for passage of the Dream Act.