Since the early 1980s, over two million Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Nicaraguans have fled countries shaken by violent civil wars and acute economic crises. One million have come to the U.S.

REFUGEES IN OUR BACKYARD focuses on the controversies created by the arrival of so many undocumented aliens into the U.S. With sections detailing the dangers of the journey north, State Department policies, and the hardships faced by those who succeed in becoming illegal aliens, REFUGEES IN OUR BACKYARD thoroughly investigates the impact of civil strife on Central America, and the enormous obstacles its people face as they attempt to escape into the United States.

"Graphic scenes of destruction and violence in Central America provide a jolting backdrop to the cautious words of the U.S. officials and the refugees' own stories in this disturbingly effective documentary."—Booklist

"The most complete and up-to-date documentary available on the current migration of Central Americans to the U.S. Specific issues examined include relevant U.S. legislation from the 1980's; the historical, socioeconomic, and political causes of the migration; the status of undocumented aliens; policing and illegal crossing of the U.S.-Mexico border; legal and humanitarian efforts to help the Central Americans; and life in detention centers... This documentary deserves consideration by college libraries building collections on immigration and U.S.- Latin American relations"—Choice

"Undoubtedly the best documentary available on the migration of Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Nicaraguans."—Multicultural Education