Nativism--an intense opposition to immigrants and other non- native members of society--has been deeply imbedded in the American character from the earliest days of the nation. Correspondingly, nativism, overtly or covertly, has always permeated our national discourse. Dating from the Alien and Sedition controversy of 1798 to California's recent Proposition 187, nativism has long been a driving force in policy making, a particular irony in a country founded and populated by immigrants.

This anthology of original essays is informed at its core by George Santayana's famous edict that...