After the Last Border

Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America

By: Jessica Goudeau

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani

"Simply brilliant, both in its granular storytelling and its enormous compassion" --The New York Times Book Review

The story of two refugee families and their hope and resilience as they fight to survive and belong in America

The welcoming and acceptance of immigrants and refugees have been central to America's identity for centuries--yet America has periodically turned its back in times of the greatest humanitarian need. After the Last Border is an intimate look at the lives of two women as they struggle for the twenty-first century American dream, having won the "golden ticket" to settle as refugees in Austin, Texas.

Mu Naw, a Christian from Myanmar struggling to put down roots with her family, was accepted after decades in a refugee camp at a time when America was at its most open to displaced families; and Hasna, a Muslim from Syria, agrees to relocate as a last resort for the safety of her family--only to be cruelly separated from her children by a sudden ban on refugees from Muslim countries. Writer and activist Jessica Goudeau tracks the human impacts of America's ever-shifting refugee policy as both women narrowly escape from their home countries and begin the arduous but lifesaving process of resettling in Austin--a city that would show them the best and worst of what America has to offer.

After the Last Border situates a dramatic, character-driven story within a larger history--the evolution of modern refugee resettlement in the United States, beginning with World War II and ending with current closed-door policies--revealing not just how America's changing attitudes toward refugees have influenced policies and laws, but also the profound effect on human lives.

fantastic

A beautifully raw, real, journey into these strong women's world and journeys as refugees. It was a privilege to enter into their stories. Highly recommended.

A Must read….for we US citizens haven’t a clue:(

After the Last Border is a must read from High school level onward….
My eyes have been opened to the immigration policies that I knew were broken but how broken has shattered my heart. I feel ashamed about the way we have treated immigrants who are just looking for peace in their lives.
My plan moving forward is to reach out and volunteer at a local immigration center.
Thank you!

Top ten book… no doubt

Seriously one of the best non-fiction books i’ve ever read and very crazy to think this was this authors first book

Moving

I highly recommend to read or listen to this book. The back and forth between the experiences of Mu Naw and Hasna is well done and written. This book really highlights the importance of how one treats others.

People have lives!

We all need to reloaded that a lot of families don’t come to America because they want to but they come to save their lives.