This Land Is Our Land: An Immigrant's Manifesto

Suketu Mehta's book "This Land Is Our Land" makes the case that the West is being destroyed by the fear of immigrants rather than by immigrants themselves. He juxtaposes the phony narratives of populist ideologues with the ordinary heroism of labourers, nannies, and others and explains why more people are on the move today than ever before. The book also stresses the destructive legacies of colonialism and global inequality on large swathes of the world.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 05 August 2021
\n Publisher: Vintage Publishing
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Immigration is a complex and multifaceted issue that has been the subject of much debate and discussion in recent years. In his book "This Land Is Our Land," Suketu Mehta, an acclaimed author known for his work on "Maximum City," offers an impassioned defense of global immigration. Drawing on his family's own experience of emigrating from India to Britain and America, as well as his extensive reporting around the world, Mehta examines the widespread anti-immigrant backlash and challenges the notion that immigrants are responsible for the destruction of the West.

Mehta argues that the fear of immigrants, rather than the presence of immigrants, is the real threat to the West. He juxtaposes the phony narratives of populist ideologues with the ordinary heroism of laborers, nannies, and others from diverse backgrounds, from Dubai to New York. Through his storytelling, Mehta demonstrates why more people are on the move today than ever before, driven by factors such as civil strife, climate change, and economic opportunities.

One of the key themes of "This Land Is Our Land" is the destructive legacies of colonialism and global inequality on large swathes of the world. Mehta highlights how these historical factors have created borders that are often porous and difficult to control. When immigrants are asked why they are in a particular country, they can justly respond that they are there because the country was once colonized by their ancestors or because they were drawn to the country by economic opportunities.

Mehta also emphasizes the positive impact that immigrants can have on countries and communities. Immigrants bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives, which can contribute to the growth and development of a society. They can fill labor shortages, drive innovation, and create new businesses, leading to economic growth and job creation. Immigrants also contribute to cultural diversity, enriching society with new ideas, traditions, and languages.

"This Land Is Our Land" is a timely and necessary intervention in the ongoing debate about immigration. It offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the issue, challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that often surround immigrants. Mehta's writing is passionate, rigorous, and richly stocked with memorable stories and characters, making it a literary polemic of the highest order.

In conclusion, immigration is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and analysis. Suketu Mehta's "This Land Is Our Land" provides an insightful and compelling defense of global immigration, challenging the fear-mongering and xenophobia that often accompany this topic. Through his storytelling and analysis, Mehta demonstrates the positive impact that immigrants can have on countries and communities, and highlights the destructive legacies of colonialism and global inequality that continue to shape our world. This book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about immigration and should be read by anyone interested in understanding this important issue better.

\n Weight: 220g\n
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529112955\n \n