Dying to Live: A Story of U.S. Immigration in an Age of Global Apartheid

On August 13th 1998 the Border Patrol found 23 year old Julio César Gallegos' body in California's Imperial Valley, still clutching a photograph of his 2-year-old son who awaited him in Los Angeles. In a powerful book fusing elements of photojournalism, history and social criticism, Nivens and Aizeki trace Julio's story through the politically charged geographies of the Imperial Valley, Zacatecas and Los Angeles. Nivens demonstrates the violent impact of an increasingly militarized border on numerous locations in Mexico and the US, and on the web of human lives that stretch between them. As a diligent investigation of changes in US immigration policy since this country's founding, this book could offer much to American history or government classes. Aizeki's artful photographs lend specificity and emotional charge to Nivens' demand for immigration policies which better reflect our society's commitment to human rights.

Illegal immigration has become one of the intensely controversial social issues of our day. What are the side effects of the United States' stern position on Mexican immigration? "Dying to Live: A Story of U.S. Immigration In an Age of Global Apartheid" is a definitive criticism by author Joseph Nevins of the U.S.'s practices on immigration today. Following the story of Julio Cesar Gallegos, a man who died crossing the border to try to reach his wife and son, it's an eye opening account of immigration that is judicially defined as illegal -- and the cruelty that sometimes lies within. Discussing human rights and homeland security as well, "Dying to Live" is a deftly written treatise on immigration, a must to those who want to further understand the subject.

I've read a few of this author's books, and so far I'd say this one was my favorite. The book is very well put together, with chapters on the discovery of Julio Gallegos' body after he'd tried to cross the border into the U.S.; then a history of the Imperial Valley; a history of the border buildup; a vivid description of what life has been and is like in Juchipila, Mexico (where Gallegos was born); and a final chapter that shows the connection between the border and the continued needless suffering of those trying to escape poverty and find a better life elsewhere. Throughout the book we learn of personal details of Gallegos' life, and that of his family who remain behind. After reading this book, it would be hard for anyone to hear of stories of immigrant deaths (while attempting to cross the U.S./Mexico border), and not feel like they may "know" these people a bit better...that they aren't so different from you and I. The outstanding photos by Mizue Aizeki were a perfect complement to the text, and felt very personal and intimate. I highly recommend this book!!!

I was quite impressed by the thorough piece of work that is Joe Nevins's earlier "Operation Gatekeeper." This book, however, provides a more concrete human connection by complementing the meticulously documented history of Mexican immigration to the U.S. and racist legal and extra-legal harassment of same(which calls to mind the Latino power slogan "I didn't cross the border, the border crossed me") with the tragic story of one hard-working family man who died in the California desert trying to reach his loved ones. The powerful text is complemented by heart-wrenching photos by Mizue Aizeki. This book is the perfect antidote to the disgusting scapegoating of immigrants which predominates on US hate radio. It artfully shows the importance of solidarity with the poor populations who are paying the price for corporate profiteering in the age of NAFTA.

With the recent debates about immigration in the news, I felt compelled to get a good handle on the topic. This book is well-written, and also features amazing photography to illustrate the points. I got a comprehensive overview of the history of immigration enforcement (including the build up of the U.S.-Mexico boundary, and the struggle of those who risk their lives to cross). Not heavy-handed, but touching ... a great read.