Immigration is a topic that often sparks heated debates, with pundits, politicians, and the public portraying immigrants either as villains or victims. But what if we took a fact-based, comprehensive, and nonpartisan look at immigration? Zeke Hernandez, a Wharton professor, does just that in “The Truth About Immigration,” his groundbreaking book.

Drawing from nearly 20 years of research, Hernandez dispels common misconceptions and provides an evidence-based perspective on how newcomers impact our local communities and our nation. As someone who is a First Generation in their family, I appreciate this book on so many levels.

Contrary to the belief that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they actually contribute to job creation and investment. Their novel technologies, products, and businesses enrich our economy. Rather than competing with locals, newcomers bring unique skills and perspectives that enhance economic prosperity.

Immigrants enrich our cultural fabric. They introduce new traditions, foods, art, and music. Our way of life is not threatened by their presence; it is enriched by it. Hernandez emphasizes that successful societies actively welcome and embrace cultural diversity.

Debunking fears about safety, Hernandez shows that immigrants are not a threat to our security. In fact, they often become law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to society. Assimilation is a two-way process, and immigrants play a crucial role in shaping our collective identity.

Addressing perennial concerns, Hernandez sheds light on undocumented immigrants. Rather than being a burden, they contribute to our economy and society. A fair and compassionate approach is essential to harness their potential.

Hernandez provides a balanced view of border control and tax implications. He emphasizes that a well-managed immigration system benefits everyone. It's not about open borders but about smart policies that recognize the value of newcomers.

“The Truth About Immigration” is more than just a defence of immigrants; it's a celebration of their essential role in building economically prosperous and socially vibrant nations. Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making this book accessible and apolitical.

In a world where fear often dominates the immigration discourse, Hernandez turns that fear into hope. He reminds us that immigrants are not outsiders to be pitied or feared; they are integral to our shared success. Whether you're an advocate for immigration or a skeptic, this book will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a deeper understanding of the complex issue.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a really interesting nonfiction book, it had everything that I was looking for based on the topic. Zeke Hernandez does a fantastic job in showing the information and thought the truth about immigration worked perfectly.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers" by Zeke Hernandez is a groundbreaking exploration of immigration that challenges prevailing narratives. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking book, Hernandez dismantles common misconceptions and provides a fresh perspective on the impact of newcomers.

Overview:

Immigration remains a contentious topic, often framed as a binary choice between viewing immigrants as either villains or victims. Hernandez deftly navigates beyond these simplistic narratives, presenting a comprehensive analysis that transcends partisan lines. His work is a beacon of clarity in a sea of noise.

Key Themes:

1. Economic Benefits:

- Contrary to fears that immigrants steal jobs, Hernandez demonstrates that they contribute significantly to economic growth. Their entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and investment bolster local economies.

- The book sheds light on the overlooked impact of immigrants on job creation, emphasizing how their differences—rather than similarities—enhance economic vitality.

2. Cultural Enrichment:

- Hernandez celebrates the cultural vibrancy that immigrants bring. Their traditions, languages, and perspectives enrich societies, fostering creativity and understanding.

- Rather than threatening core values, immigrants contribute to a dynamic cultural tapestry.

3. National Security and Assimilation:

- Addressing concerns about safety, Hernandez provides evidence that immigrants are not inherently criminal. In fact, they often contribute positively to society.

- Assimilation, he argues, occurs organically as newcomers adapt to their surroundings while retaining their unique identities.

Writing Style:
Hernandez combines rigorous research with moving personal stories, making the book accessible and engaging. His apolitical approach ensures that readers receive an evidence-based understanding of immigration.

"The Truth About Immigration" is not just about immigrants; it's about how they benefit us all. Skeptics will find their assumptions challenged, and optimists will discover a compelling case for embracing newcomers. Hernandez's work is essential reading for anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of this critical issue.

In a world often divided, this book reminds us that successful societies thrive when they welcome those who arrive with hope, resilience, and a desire to contribute.

Zeke Hernandez has crafted a powerful narrative—one that transforms fear into hope and underscores the essential role immigrants play in shaping our collective future. 🌎🗽

5/5 stars. Now, more than ever, "The Truth About Immigration" is needed to shed light on a heavily debated topic in American politics and society.

Author and Wharton Professor Zeke Hernandez lays out his work in several concise sections; starting with the economic and financial impacts immigration has on countries and communities, followed by the societal impacts, and closes with a few of his own thoughts and suggestions on reform. Each part of this novel lays out the arguments currently used by opponents (ex. "Immigration takes jobs away from existing citizens" or "Immigrants commit crimes and increase the crime rates in the areas they live in") and clearly and patiently debunks each and every one of them, by analyzing the impact of innovation and patents, positive externalities that benefit countries that both receive and send immigrants, and the impact on government aid at the state and federal levels, as well as in the short and long-term. I appreciated as well that there's sufficient background and explanation on things like the visa application process, which is something I've frequently heard in passing on the news or through friends of friends, but had never looked into in detail.

The sections balance Hernandez's distinct explanations with references to studies either he or other researchers have conducted, and also include his own personal experiences and anecdotes, where we're able to learn that he emigrated from Uruguay to the U.S. for school, saw first-hand the difficulty of achieving financial stability and the need for relying on government aid, to the way he continues to give back to his present home country while still maintaining pride in his roots. He also gives nods to individuals he knows in his own life who have been impacted by immigration laws, tying in academic and legal terminology to actual people and stories.

My only complaint about this novel, and is most likely because it is an early ARC as well as a digital copy, is that a number of charts/graphs/tables that were referenced in the book either did not display, or displayed very poorly on my e-reader, but I'm sure that will be addressed in future copies. (My only other complaint that I wasn't able to take a class Professor Hernandez while I was at Wharton, but he unfortunately wasn't teaching then.)

Very much a recommended read for when "The Truth about Immigration" is published in June 2024!