Book Highlight — Crossing Borders: The Reconciliation of a Nation of Immigrants by Ali Noorani

by Shannon Reagan, Project Manager, Beyond the Barbed Wire: Japanese American Stories of the Pacific Northwest

Noorani was a Writer in Residence at The Community Library’s Ernest and Mary Hemingway House and participated in a panel discussion with Bob Naerebout, former leader of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, and  Zeze Rwasama, Executive Director for College of Southern Idaho’s Refugee Program in July 2022. Noorani and Naerebout also attended Friends of Minidoka and Minidoka NHS’ 80th anniversary event.

Ali Noorani’s Crossing Borders is an authoritative and deeply researched look at immigration and its politicization in America – from Honduras to Mexico and Texas to Idaho. Noorani spotlights the courage and compassion shown by local leaders in the Magic Valley who stood against political pressure to protect their communities from anti-immigration sentiment and policies. The book also mentions how growing up near the Minidoka concentration camp shaped the life and work of Jim Jones, former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice and state Attorney General. Noorani explains how Jones’ knowledge of the camp, combined with a lifetime in law and political service, inspired his work on immigration issues in south central Idaho. 

Idaho’s dairy industry ranks third in the nation behind California and Wisconsin, and the heart of the Gem State’s dairy production is centered in the Magic Valley. The industry relies heavily on immigrant workers, and as anti-refugee rhetoric escalated in the 2000’s, Twin Falls and surrounding communities were suddenly thrust into the national spotlight by media outlets such as Breitbart News and InfoWars. Noorani explains how the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and other local leaders pushed back against these narratives to protect the immigrant workers who were not only essential to the success of their business, but to the community as a whole. In a state known for its political and cultural conservatism, it is inspiring to learn about this period in our recent history; it demonstrates that standing up for our neighbors – regardless of how recently their immigration story began – is not only possible, but critical to building more inclusive communities across the Gem State. 

Crossing Borders takes a broad look at the complexities of global migration, including the difficult decisions families make to leave their homes and search for a better life. It is an insightful and solution-filled book that leaves the reader with a sense of hope and optimism that America is capable of embracing its own ideals.