Racial baggage : Mexican immigrants and race across the border /

In this timely and insightful qualitative analysis, Zamora (Loyola Marymount Univ.) reveals the process by which Mexican immigrants are racialized, both prior to and upon entering the US, and the impact this has on how they navigate both American and Mexican society. As Zamora notes, "Mexico and the United States have been profoundly intertwined economically, politically, and socially for more than a century" (p. 4). Given this interconnection, the racial ideologies that immigrants encounter in the US travel across the border with them, influencing ideas of race and racism not only in the US but in Mexico as well, albeit in different ways. This enlightening analysis underscores the mutability of race as a concept and how transnational interactions shape it over time. Zamora has produced an important new contribution to the fields of sociology, history, immigration studies, ethnic/minority studies, and political science. Those interested in better understanding the historical and ideological forces shaping immigration and race will want to read Racial Baggage. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals. --Martin Guevara Urbina, Sul Ross State University