This Land is Our Land: Study Guide University of Massachusetts College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant's Manifesto was written by Indian-American author Suketu Mehta in 2017. "We are here because you were there."

https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/books/review-this-land-is-our-land-points-out-the-hypocrisy-and-hope-behind-americas-immigration-beliefs

PART I: THE MIGRANTS ARE COMING

In talking about global migration today, Mehta says the ‘game is rigged’ (pg.4) and that the system is characterized by a “staggering hypocrisy” (pg. 8). What does he mean by this?

How does Mehta feel about being an American? What does America mean to him?

Why do you think Mehta makes a point early in the book of talking about the lesser known verses of This Land is Your Land? Were you aware of these verses prior to reading them in this book?

Mehta calls Friendship Park the “cruelest and most hopeful place I have ever seen” (pg. 17). Why does he say that? What was your reaction to the description of that park?

Mehta says he is not calling for open borders, but open hearts (pg. 29). What does that mean?

In what ways is the immigrant experience Mehta observed in Abu Dhabi different from immigrants in the US or Europe? In what ways is it the same?

A huge theme in this part of the book is the suffering of immigrants at every stage of the process. What examples of suffering stood out to you? Why do you think Mehta drew out these themes?

Mehta mentions the power of a US passport. How have you experienced advantages or disadvantages based on your citizenship status (pg. 12)?

What do you think border patrol’s role should be when they see migrants in danger? How can wealthy destination states ensure the safety of migrants as they travel across borders, even if illegally?

PART II: WHY THEY'RE COMING

How does colonialism in the past contribute to migration today?

How do you think the actions of imperial countries during the colonial period compare with the actions many of these same countries, which are now popular destination states, take towards immigrants today?

What has the United States done to destabilize Latin America? Do you agree with Mehta that it was a form of colonialism (pg. 84)?

In what ways does climate change lead to migration, both directly and indirectly?

After reading this part of the book, would you say that most people who migrate are forced or voluntary, or would you explain it a different way? Could some migration that is portrayed as voluntary be understood differently as forced if we took different context and circumstances into account?

How might an acknowledgement that the destination states contributed greatly to the conditions that prod people to move change the way we think about regulation of migration?

How do borders matter? What steps do governments take to make borders matter?

Besides Guatemala, what other examples can you think of of the United States interfering in another country because of corporate interests (88)? Do you think that the United States should pay reparations to these countries?

At the end of ‘War’, Mehta says “You break it, you own it.” What kind of responsibility should the United States and Europe take for the problems in countries they colonized/interfered in? To what extent? Do you agree with Mehta’s assessment that immigration is the best way to repay the Global South?

PART III: WHY THEY'RE FEARED

There has been a rise of right-wing populism across the world, where leaders gain political power by scapegoating immigrants. Why does Mehta think this works as a strategy? Ie, what makes immigrants so scary to a lot of people in the Global North?

Populism seems to have ushered in more barbaric policies than ever, even towards children, and traumatized people. What are some examples of rationales given for these policies and what “purpose" do they serve? Ie, who are the policymakers trying to stoke fear in and why?

How has the language of eugenicists carried on through today (pg. 123)? What specific “fears” are being used as justification for population control?

What does Mehta mean by “good” immigrants and “bad immigrants” as perpetuated by the media and politicians? What does his example of Ireland tell you about the current political landscape on immigration (pg. 133)?

What role does assimilation play in citizenship? Why are some immigrants perceived as better at assimilating than others?

What do you think the main fear behind letting in refugees is? Do you think Mehta’s assessment that they are a reminder of everything people have to lose is correct (pg. 163)?

What role have “reeducation trips” in Denmark and Indian Boarding Schools in the US, Australia, and Canada played in the forced assimilation of immigrants and indigenous peoples (pg. 166)?

What point is Mehta trying to make about migration and its double standards when referring to the situation in Lower Manhattan (pg. 169)? What are the distinctions between the “invaders” he refers to here versus the immigrant groups we’ve read about so far?

Mehta compares mass deportation based on race to ethnic cleansing (pg. 171). Do you agree?

PART IV: WHY THEY SHOULD BE WELCOMED

In some ways, this book is a love letter to New York City. Were you convinced by Mehta’s argument that it is a success story for immigration?

Think about where you grew up and went to High School? Did you witness or experience hostility towards immigrants in your community?

Mehta says American culture is best characterized by its “permissiveness, openness, and vigor” (pg. 174). Do you think America has a dominant culture? What elements of it do you value most? Least?

The facts seem clearly to discredit arguments that immigrants commit more crimes, hurt the economy, and don’t assimilate. Some studies show they do. How are some of those studies, such as that of Borjas, misleading (pg. 184)? Do you think if more people understood the facts it would change their opinion on immigration?

What is your reaction to Mehta’s claim that the “immigrant armada that is coming to your shores is actually a rescue fleet” (pg. 182)?

In part I, Mehta said he was not calling for open borders. Do you still think that is true in part IV where he describes open borders as a potential force for wealth and happiness redistribution (pg. 198)?

On pg 201, Mehta says that in the US, we need to “gently teach our children: you have a right to a home, but not a fixed abode.” What would it look like to raise Americans to be potential migrants?

How has a fear of racial mixing contributed to attitudes about immigration in the United States (pg. 175)? When Teddy Roosevelt is quoted as saying “the only man who is a good American is the man who is American and nothing else”, how does that conflict with America’s supposed “melting pot” image?

Do you think population decline in the US will finally lead to increased immigration?

A quarter of all new businesses started in the US are started by immigrants (pg. 198). What businesses have you seen started by immigrants that have brought little bits of international culture to the US? How has it enhanced American culture?

Mehta says “the future of our species, like our past, is African” (202). What does he mean by this?

Has colonialism ever really ended or does it continue on?

How has networking and community aided immigrants when they come to the US? Can you think of examples in your own life when community has helped you get ahead? Have you helped others in turn?

Why do you think Americans are so reluctant to move? How has this reluctance, according to Mehta, restricted their opportunities for growth and employment?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What do you think is the thesis of the book?

What did you learn from this book that surprised you the most?

Which parts of the argument did you find most convincing? Least convincing?

Do you think it is a hopeful book? Are you more hopeful after reading it?

Do you think Mehta’s tone changed over the course of the book? If so, how?

This book says a lot about immigrants. What do you think it says about native-born Americans?

Immigration has been a hot topic in the US for over a century. Why do you think Mehta wrote this book now? Do you think it will still be relevant in the future?

Can you see a world where immigration is not a hot button issue, but one of humanity? What do you think needs to happen for false perceptions about immigrants to change?

How has modern media impacted our perceptions of immigration today? Can you think of examples of misconceptions you’ve heard about immigrants entering the United States or Europe? How have your own perceptions of immigrants changed from reading this book?