One Mighty and Irresistible Tide

by Jia Lynn Yang
One Mighty and Irresistible Tide cover
Good Books rating 3.5
History
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  • ID: 7272
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780393635850
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • Published: 2020-05-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

One Mighty and Irresistible Tide delves into the twentieth-century battle for immigration reform, highlighting the efforts of lawmakers, activists, and presidents to abolish the discriminatory 1924 ethnic quotas. Through a world war, a refugee crisis, and a McCarthyist fever, a diverse coalition fought to establish equality in the American immigration system. Their efforts culminated in the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which opened the door to nonwhite migration and profoundly changed the nation. Jia Lynn Yang's deeply researched and illuminating work is framed by her own family's story of immigration, offering a personal touch to the historical narrative. The book shows how Americans have strived to live up to the ideal of a home for the 'huddled masses,' as promised in Emma Lazarus's famous poem.

Reviews
Foreign Affairs · 2020-08-11
compelling 4.00

The book tells the story of the important fight for the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, highlighting the efforts of lawmakers, activists, and presidents. The narrative is compelling and well-researched.

Jia Lynn Yang's book chronicles the efforts of a small, oft-overlooked group of lawmakers, activists, and presidents who fought for the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. The reviewer finds the narrative compelling and well-researched, with a fascinating cast of characters that brings the historical account to life. The book is praised for its ability to contextualize current debates on immigration within a broader historical framework. The reviewer also appreciates the personal touch that Yang adds to the narrative, making it not just a historical account but also a deeply personal story. The book is recommended for those interested in understanding the complexities and contradictions in America's approach to immigration.

Quick quotes

    Yang tells the story of the important fight for the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act.

    The narrative is compelling and well-researched, with a fascinating cast of characters.

    The book is praised for its ability to contextualize current debates on immigration within a broader historical framework.

The New York Times · Sam Tanenhaus · 2020-05-20
insightful 3.50

The book offers a detailed account of the struggles over American immigration laws, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in the nation's approach to immigration. The author's personal connection to the subject adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

This book provides a thorough and nuanced look at the epic struggle over American immigration laws from 1924 to 1965. The author, Jia Lynn Yang, not only delves into the political and social dynamics of the time but also weaves in her own family's immigration story, making the historical account deeply personal. The reviewer appreciates how Yang's journalistic background shines through in her meticulous research and engaging storytelling. The book is praised for its ability to contextualize current debates on immigration within a broader historical framework. However, the reviewer notes that some readers might find the density of information overwhelming, but the personal touch keeps the narrative engaging and accessible.

Quick quotes

    Yang's personal connection to the subject adds a compelling layer to the narrative.

    The book is praised for its ability to contextualize current debates on immigration within a broader historical framework.

    The density of information might be overwhelming for some readers, but the personal touch keeps the narrative engaging and accessible.

The Wall Street Journal · 2020-05-19
informative 3.00

The book is a journalist's account of the fight for the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, revealing disturbing views on race held by many prominent Americans until recently. The narrative is engaging but can be dense at times.

In this book, Jia Lynn Yang provides a comprehensive look at the fight for the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, a pivotal moment in American history. The reviewer notes that Yang's journalistic background is evident in her detailed and engaging account, but also points out that the book can be dense and overwhelming at times. The personal stories and historical context make the narrative compelling, but the reviewer suggests that some readers might need to take their time to fully absorb the information. The book is praised for its ability to shed light on the complex and often disturbing views on race that were prevalent among prominent Americans until recently.

Quick quotes

    This is very much a journalist's account.

    Ms. Yang is disturbed to learn that, until very recently, many prominent Americans held views on race.

    The narrative is engaging but can be dense at times.

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