Darrell Ankarlo's Illegals - The Unacceptable Cost of America's failure to control its borders is a discussion on how the vast numbers of illegals who make their way across the southern border is creating an unstable situation in the US.Ankarlo isn't just sitting behind his mike (he's a radio talk show host) making observations - he takes himself and four other people (including his son) across to Mexico to find out first hand the often heartbreaking stories of those making the treacherous crossing, the people who are paid to take them plus the border patrol officers. They are faced with dangerous situations (almost being killed) and horrific images.
I wasn't sure what to expect from such an intriguing title. I was always aware that people crossed borders to find a better life but wasn't aware of how these numbers were growing - on a daily basis and subsequently the huge impact made on the neighboring country - both in terms of money and human life.
Ankarlo's wish is for the entry of 'aliens' into the US to be monitored more closely, for better checks to be in place, for businesses not to employ illegal immigrants. One statistic that is mentioned is that "..over a lifetime, the net cost to US citizens is $1.2 million for an illegal who has a family here.." I found this completely staggering. How can the US government be happy with this figure? Indeed Ankarlo discusses this issues as well giving 30 suggested solutions to this growing problem. With this book he wants the legal US citizens to speak out against this growing issue.
I found this book so absorbing. It was harrowing in places and angered me in others. Throughout, Ankarlo insisted that he wasn't being racist - he just wanted to maintain a balance of the 'American way' and why not? I think that a lot of his arguments made were well thought out and fairly balanced (and I say fairly balanced as this is obviously an emotive subject for Ankarlo). All his points are backed up by statistics - numbers which were sometimes unfathomable.
The book is very easy to read and certainly makes you think. Immigration is a hot topic in many a country and some seemingly control the flow at its borders better than others. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this subject.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson as part of Booksneeze.com. The opinions written are my own thoughts and feelings.
