The new book, “Crossing Borders: The Reconciliation of a Nation of Immigrants,” compiles the stories of people and families fleeing their homes in different parts of the world. Like many refugees today, the characters in this book are fleeing because of violence, corruption, poverty, or climate change. The book highlights many of the difficulties they face as they arrive at the doorstep of the United States, and the failures of American institutions to assist and protect them. 

We spoke to the book's author, Ali Noorani. He is a long time immigration policy expert and President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.