America for Americans

In "America for Americans," Erika Lee provides a comprehensive history of xenophobia in the United States, highlighting how fear and hostility toward immigrants have shaped American society from the colonial era to the present day. The book examines various waves of xenophobia, from the disdain for Germans and Irish Catholics to the exclusion of Chinese and the incarceration of Japanese Americans, and extends to contemporary fears surrounding Muslims and Latinos. Updated with reflections on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Lee urges readers to confront this enduring issue and consider its implications for building a more inclusive society.