In this powerful new collection of stories and oil paintings, former President George W. Bush spotlights the inspiring journeys of America’s immigrants and the positive contributions they make to the life and prosperity of our nation
The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions today, as it has throughout much of American history. But what gets lost in the debates about policy are the stories of immigrants themselves, the men and women who are drawn to America by its promise of economic opportunity and political and religious freedom—and who strengthen our nation through their contributions, in ways both ordinary and notable.
In the tradition of his #1New York TimesbestsellerPortraits of Courage, President George W. Bush brings together fifty full-color portraits of men and women who have immigrated to the United States, alongside stirring stories of the unique ways each of them are pursuing the American Dream. Featuring men and women representing many cultures and nearly every region of the world, the book shows how hard work, strong values, dreams and determination know no borders or boundaries and how immigrants embody values that are often viewed as distinctly American: a sense of optimism, a willingness to strive and to risk, and a spirit of self-reliance that runs deep in our immigrant heritage. In its pages, we meet a North Korean refugee fighting for human rights in his home country, a Dallas-based CEO who came to the United States from Mexico on the back of a truck, along with notable figures from American business, military, sports and entertainment. President Bush captures their faces and stories in striking detail, bringing depth to our understanding of who immigrants are, the challenges they face on their paths to citizenship, and the lessons they can teach us about our country’s character.
As the stories unfold in this beautiful, four-color book, readers will gain a better appreciation for the humanity behind one of our country’s most pressing policy issues and the countless ways in which America has been strengthened by those who have come here in search of a better life.
