Contested Americans: Mixed-Status Families in Anti-Immigrant Times

Mixed-status families face impossible choices and terror due to the uncertainty and fear of deportation. Cassaundra Rodriguez's book, "Contested Americans," explores how these families experience and articulate belonging in the US, highlighting how different members mediate undocumented statuses while maintaining the collective whole of a family.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: New York University Press

Living in a mixed-status immigrant family can be incredibly challenging and uncertain. Grandmothers, sons, and mothers face the constant fear of deportation, which can have devastating consequences for the entire family. The uncertainty and fear experienced by these families are a daily reality, as they navigate the complex web of immigration laws and policies.

In her book, Contested Americans, Cassaundra Rodriguez explores the experiences and perspectives of members of mixed-status families. The sixteen million people in the US who fall under this classification share the common fear of a family member's possible deportation or the anxiety of leaving behind a child or elderly relative. Rodriguez highlights how different members of the same mixed-status families navigate their undocumented statuses while maintaining the collective whole of the family.

For many young adults, this means navigating the sponsorship of their immigrant parents, while their parents plan for the emotional, physical, and financial well-being of their children in case of deportation. The book provides a timely and powerful exploration of how immigration policies, racism, and privilege collide in the lives of millions of mixed-status families.

Through vivid storytelling, Rodriguez sheds light on the struggles, resilience, and strength of these families. She highlights the complexities of their relationships, the sacrifices they make, and the ways in which they find community and support amidst the chaos. Contested Americans is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of immigration policies and the importance of advocating for inclusive and compassionate solutions.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479800544