Entry Denied

This insightful book examines the historical discrimination faced by immigrant women based on sexuality. Entry Denied reveals the complex intersections of immigration policy and national identity.

In Entry Denied, Eithne Luibhéid presents a thorough investigation into 150 years of sexuality-based discrimination against immigrants in the United States. The book delves into the historical treatment of immigrant women, particularly those perceived as threats to national security due to their sexual identities. Luibhéid highlights how women such as lesbians, prostitutes, and those crossing racial lines were often labeled as 'immoral' and subjected to strict immigration controls. This scrutiny not only reflects societal attitudes towards female sexuality but also underscores the broader implications of national security policies.

The narrative begins with an examination of the targeting of Chinese women, illustrating how immigration control based on sexuality quickly expanded to include all women seeking entry into the U.S. Luibhéid discusses specific examples, such as the efforts to distinguish between Chinese prostitutes and wives, the exclusion of Japanese wives in the 1920s, and the deportation of a Mexican woman accused of lesbianism. These cases reveal the complexities of immigration policies that were not solely driven by prejudice but were also influenced by a dominant nationalism intertwined with sexual, gender, racial, and class hierarchies.

Ultimately, Entry Denied challenges conventional understandings of immigration exclusion by linking it to broader societal constructs. Luibhéid's work invites readers to reconsider the intersections of sexuality and immigration, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by women at the borders. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the historical context of immigration and the implications of sexual identity in national narratives.