The current controversies regarding immigration will not die down even if an immigration law is passed. Immigration is a hot button issue for many people. It is about the economy of the United States, our predominantly European ancestry, and our national security. With so many different issues involved in this controversy, it is hard to address the information needs of our library population simply by buying a couple of books on the controversy.

The current debate focuses primarily on the Hispanic culture and those who migrate to the United States looking for work. With both political parties divided and the issues crossing traditional conservative and liberal lines, there could be a substantial restructuring of the American political landscape. This issue requires a population of voters with knowledge of the issues and an understanding of the cultures involved. The long term effects of this public debate will affect generations to come. It is important to affect current voters with information that expands the understanding of another culture’s history, politics, and society. The purpose is not to supply answers or to take a position on either side but rather to give everyone the information tools necessary to form positions based on knowledge rather than misinformation and mass culture stereotypes.