For nearly 250 years, the United States has been a place of refuge for immigrants from war-torn or poverty stricken countries in order to create better lives for themselves and their families. The history of American immigration shows that these people and their descendants have contributed greatly to American society. However, immigrant groups have often had to overcome hostility and distrust as they assimilated into the United States. This book discusses some of the major issues of American immigration today. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.