This work investigates the lived experiences and socio-economic integration of contemporary immigrants arriving in the United States during the late 20th century. Authors Betty Boyd Caroli and Thomas Kessner, both established historians, utilize a combination of oral history interviews and demographic analysis to challenge prevailing stereotypes about the newest American arrivals. The book argues that modern immigration patterns reflect a complex interplay of global economic shifts and individual aspirations, rather than a monolithic trend.

Historians and sociologists frequently cite this text for its human-centric approach to immigration studies, noting its effectiveness in grounding statistical data in personal narrative. It is widely regarded as a valuable resource for understanding the social landscape of American immigration during the period of its publication.