Assimilation: An Alternative History

petuated by deportations are lacking in Goodman’s analysis. The story of immigration told in Goodman’s book is largely focused on racial categories, moving from its beginnings in Chinese communities into the demonization of Latina/o/x immigrants. In an analysis of coercive immigrant violence, the lack of intersectional discussions (namely, of women and queer migrants) leaves the story wholly incomplete and, as a reader, it left me wanting. I recommend The Deportation Machine as an excellent primer for deportations and coercive immigrant violence, rather than treat it as an exhaustive account. Goodman’s history broadens the definition of deportations, providing the reader with an appreciation of the dark side of immigration enforcement in the United States. Goodman’s undertaking is a reminder that no history is truly lost in the modern age, that even the best efforts of the state cannot erase their sins from recording. His clearly laid out history provides the reader with a renewed appreciation of complexity of the machine, and how it dehumanizes and demonizes its subjects. While not perfect in its nuance, it provides an excellent framework for scholars to investigate the machine and to build on the vast archive of texts that Goodman provides.