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Behind the Green Card: How Immigration Policy is Killing the American Dream
Author(s): Donald Dobkin (Author)
- Publisher: Algora Publishing
- Publication Date: March 31, 2013
- Language: English
- Print length: 202 pages
- ISBN-10: 0875869696
- ISBN-13: 9780875869698
Book Description
The author, Donald Dobkin, is a senior lawyer whose writings on immigration law, administrative law, civil liberties and constitutional law have been published in leading reviews, journals and as book chapters.
In Behind the Green Card: How Immigration Policy is Killing the American Dream, he takes readers through the labyrinth of U.S. immigration laws, exposing their flaws, inefficiencies, and devastating impact on individuals and the nation as a whole. Misguided US immigration policies have jeopardized economic growth, eroded the American Dream, and hindered national progress.
Unmasking the Myths of Immigration Policy:
Dobkin begins by debunking common misconceptions about U.S. immigration, revealing how fear-driven rhetoric and misplaced “national security interests” have fueled counterproductive laws. These laws, far from protecting the nation, have instead created barriers to growth and innovation. By drawing comparisons with other developed nations that have embraced more sensible immigration strategies, the author makes a compelling case for reform.
Economic Impact and the Decline of Opportunity:
The book checks our assumptions about the economic repercussions of restrictive immigration policies. By limiting access to a vast labor market and stifling entrepreneurial potential, the United States has placed itself at a disadvantage in the global economy. Dobkin demonstrates how exclusionary laws not only hinder economic development but also widen the gap between the promise of the American Dream and the harsh reality faced by immigrants and citizens alike.
Human Stories Behind the Policy:
Through powerful anecdotes and case studies, Behind the Green Card brings to life the struggles faced by individuals caught in the web of U.S. immigration policy. From families torn apart to talented professionals denied opportunities, the book paints a vivid picture of the human cost of outdated and ineffective laws. These stories underscore the urgency of reform and the potential for a more inclusive approach to immigration.
A Call for Sensible Reform:
Dobkin provides a roadmap for meaningful change, advocating for policies that prioritize economic growth, national security, and humanitarian values. He outlines how reforming immigration laws can help the United States regain its position as a global leader, fostering innovation, enhancing diversity, and restoring faith in the American Dream.
Behind the Green Card is a critique of immigration policy, blending legal expertise with compelling storytelling to present a powerful argument for reform. This book will resonate with policymakers, advocates, and everyday citizens, with useful information for immigrants, students of political science, and all who have invested in the future of the United States.
Editorial Reviews
Review
‘Compellingly argued and meticulously researched . . . Behind the Greencard provides a rare and revealing account of the shortcomings in the existing immigration labyrinth and how we got there. Certainly, a must read for politicians and legislators as well as anyone interested in national policy issues . . . This is a terrific book.’– –Joel B. Grossman, Professor of Political Science, Johns Hopkins University
‘Finally a book on immigration by someone who’s actually done it not a
journalist, not a think tank, not a career academic. Donald Dobkin surgically dissects the key elements of our immigration structure and explains in a highly readable style why we have the problems we do and the difficult
prospects for solving them. Dobkin has hit the ball off the cover with this
important book.’ Rami Fakhoury, Founder, Fakhoury Law Group
Behind the Green Card is a must read for students and practitioners of
immigration law and social scientists more generally. Donald Dobkin’s book
provides an exhaustive account of the law and unintended consequences
that surface in the wake of this dysfunctional legal system. Dobkin should be applauded for combining a scholarly understanding of the issues with a practitioner s practical eye towards addressing them. –Robert Koulish, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science, University of Maryland
Just because someone – especially an immigration lawyer – can write a book, doesn’t mean it’s worth reading. It may just mean they know the mechanics of book writing. ‘Behind The Green Card’ isn’t just another homogenized self-serving publication from just another member of the cautious, money-clutching herd. This book is part history and part policy discussion. But most important to me is its compelling descriptions of abuses of power and overly far-reaching authority within the US government immigration machinery.
In 1771, Edmund Burke said, ‘The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.’ Dobkin’s ‘Behind The Green Card’ is a refreshing and welcome view into the current morass of immigration law. Dobkin isn’t afraid to question anything: the economically debilitating immigration business legal system, a disturbing quasi-lawmaking in the executive branch, an oddly Schutzstaffel-like ICE security force, and the erosion of due process. Nothing escapes his discerning and penetrating net, including the expedient interests of politician and bureaucrats alike.
Here’s what’s dangerous: Americans being so contented, soft, and complacent that the government can run amok without anyone being very concerned. Here’s what’s dangerous in Immigration Law: lawyers making enough money, properly and otherwise (encouraged by their organizations?) to ignore any path to a reasonable and beneficial immigration legal system. Finally there is a book that carries that actuality out of its dark shadow this one.
‘Behind The Green Card’ is a sturdy rudder for guidance toward 1) a better immigration scheme; 2) a government guided by principles; and 3) an ethical foundation for immigration lawyers. If that doesn’t interest you, don’t buy it– there’s always NPR, Fox News, or another CIR webinar.’ –Anthony Guidice, Esq. ILW.COM
About the Author
Mr. Dobkin holds law degrees from both Canada (LL.B., Windsor) and the United States (LL.M., Northwestern) and has done Political Science graduate work at Johns Hopkins University. After receiving his Masters degree from Northwestern University Law School, Mr. Dobkin began his career as immigration counsel to the American Medical Assn. From there he went on to found Dobkin & Associates where he served as President for over 20 years. Mr. Dobkin has held Martindale-Hubbell’s highest ‘av’ rating for more than 25 consecutive years, and last year was recognized as one of Metro Detroit’s top lawyers by DB magazine.
Mr. Dobkin s work has been featured in Immigration Lawyers Weekly, The Journal of the International Bar Association, and numerous websites including Immigration Law Professor Blog, Administrative Law Professor Blog, Legal History blog, ILW.COM, Interpreter Releases, International Bar Association, and the Canadian American Bar Association to name but a few.
His latest publication appeared in the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal, the world s leading immigration law compendium. A much sought-after speaker, Donald has lectured on immigration issues at universities and professional associations across the United States, Canada and England and has made presentations of his scholarly works at numerous academic meetings. He is Emeritus Chair of the Oakland County, Michigan Bar Association, Immigration Law Section.
