54 pages • 1 hour read
Mae M. NgaiImpossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Impossible Subjects: Illegal Aliens and the Making of Modern America by Mae M. Ngai examines how restrictive U.S. immigration policies from 1924 to 1965 created the concept of "illegal aliens" and disproportionately affected racial minorities. Ngai analyzes the impact of laws like the Johnson-Reed Act and subsequent policies, highlighting their role in shaping America's racial and social landscapes. The book includes references to racism embedded in U.S. immigration law and derogatory terms historically assigned to immigrant groups.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Impossible Subjects by Mae M. Ngai is widely praised for its groundbreaking exploration of immigration policy in the United States. Reviewers commend its thorough research and compelling analysis, though some note it can be dense and challenging for general readers. Overall, it's considered an essential, albeit complex, read for understanding U.S. immigration history.
Who Should Read Impossible Subjects?
Readers who appreciate Impossible Subjects by Mae M. Ngai are typically engaged with studies on immigration history, racial politics, and legal changes in the United States. Comparable works include Erika Lee's At America's Gates and David Roediger's The Wages of Whiteness, attracting similar academic and historical interests.