Synopses & Reviews
When confronted with the challenges of border security and illegal immigration, government officials are fond of saying that our borders have never been as safe and secure as they are now. But ranchers in the borderlands of Arizona and Texas fear for their lands, their cattle, their homes, and sometimes their lives due to the human and drug smuggling traffic that regularly crosses their property. Who is right? What does a secure border actually look like? More importantly, is a secure border a realistic goal for the United States? Border Insecurity examines all the aspects of the challenge—and thriving industry—of trying to keep terrorists, drug smugglers, and illegal immigrants from entering the United States across our land borders. It looks at on-the-ground issues and controversies like the border fence, the usefulness of technology, shifts in the connection between illegal immigration and drug smuggling, and the potential for terrorists and drug cartels to work together. Border Insecurity also delves into how the border debate itself is part of why the government has failed to improve information sharing and why this is necessary to establish a clear and comprehensive border security strategy.
Review
“A highly readable, yet comprehensive, book about US border security situation with zero political agenda - hidden or otherwise - to cloud Longmires observations, research or judgment. In a national atmosphere of near hysteria, when it comes to “discussions” of immigration (both legal and illegal), terrorism, border control, law enforcement and the undeniable infiltration of Mexican (and other) cartels into American society, thank goodness we have a seasoned, and reasoned, voice to learn from.” —Nicholas Stein, Former Series Producer, National Geographic's Border Wars
“Sylvia Longmire's riveting book tells the stories of the people on all sides of this complex issue. It challenged everything I thought I knew about America's borders in a compassionate, fair, and fascinating way. These are the things we (citizens) need to know about our borders and how our approach and policies affect peoples lives.” —Christine McKinley, Investigator on History Channels Decoded, and author of Physics for Beautiful People
“Mesmerizing… Longmires approach transcends political ideologies. Border Insecurity provides an excellent description of why and how, in spite of the best intentions and billions of taxpayer dollars, there are still a tremendous number of problems centered on security along our Mexican and Canadian borders." —Robert Lee Maril, author of The Fence
"Once again, Sylvia has shown she has a hands-on understanding of the impact that Mexico's nearly decade-long war against narco-cartels and transnational crime syndicates is having on not only America's border with Mexico, but deep into America's interior. Having spent considerable time on the southwest border myself, I can attest to the accuracy and hard work that she's put into this important new exposé on the rippling effects of Mexico's drug war." —Anthony Kimery, Executive Editor, Homeland Security Today Magazine
About the Author
Sylvia Longmire is an independent consultant, and testifies as an expert witness on US asylum cases. She has been interviewed extensively by Fox News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, AOL News, BBC Radio, The Miami Herald, The Houston Chronicle and The San Diego Union-Tribune, among others. She contributed to Glenn Becks Cowards, and her first book, Cartel, was nominated for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.