author: Joseph Nevins

name: Steev

average rating: 4.00

book published: 2008

rating: 5

read at: 2010/02/18

date added: 2010/02/18

shelves: own-it, politics

review:
This is an excellent treatment of immigration that looks at both the "big picture" as well as distinct personal stories and on-the-ground examples. Nevins, a geography professor, examines the history of U.S. expansion and the changing U.S.-Mexico boundary along with the changing social dynamic around migration and how how it has related to ideas of race, nationalism, security, sovereignty, and economics. While filled with supporting footnotes and citations, the book is a surprisingly easy read. Not bogged down with overly academic language, "Dying To Live" is clearly and effectively aimed at a general audience. Anyone interested in looking behind the political and media rhetoric about immigration and "secure borders" of recent years should read this book.