Whatever It Takes: Illegal Immigration, Border Security, and the War on Terror

United States Congressman J.D. Hayworth's (R-AZ) thorough and well-documented analysis of the illegal immigration issue should be a `must-read' for all Americans. Not only does he fully examine this complex and far-reaching challenge, he also provides workable and comprehensive solutions in a straight-shooting and easy-to-read writing style that was both informative and entertaining. The book's eleven chapter titles demonstrate a logical and methodical progression designed to deepen understanding of the major social, cultural, economic, political, and national security impacts and implications of our national approach to and policies about illegal immigration: Overrun; Crime and Illegal Immigration; Assimilation: Out of Many...?; Language, Political Correctness, and Illegal Immigration; Mexico: Friend or Foe?; Is America Complicit in Illegal Immigration?; The Left and Right Are Wrong; Is Illegal Immigration the Answer to Social Security?; Guest Worker = Amnesty = Surrender; Is Opposing Illegal Immigration a Political Loser for Republicans?; and What to Do about Illegal Immigration. While most of Hayworth's criticisms were squarely aimed at liberal rhetoric and politicians, I felt he was balanced in exposing the many conservative acts of omission and cowardice in addressing illegal immigration over the years. The extensive documentation of primarily media and congressional testimony excerpts, coupled with the politically-correct and often illogical rhetoric from illegal immigration advocates and activists were mind-numbing, but absolutely essential for understanding this critical issue from many different, yet inter-related perspectives. More times than I am comfortable with, I found myself shaking my head in disbelief and writing in the margins comments like: "What were they thinking?" and "How could we legislate, document, and justify such governmental dysfunction?" Hayworth clearly understands the challenges facing our nation in reversing years of bending-over-backwards efforts to systemically ignore, justify, and benefit from illegal immigration while neglecting our borders and national security, especially in our post-9/11 world: "None of what I have suggested will be easy. Worthwhile causes rarely are. But I believe that if we can reclaim our borders and reinstill a respect for the rule of law, we will have pulled America back from the brink." American citizens should read this book and decide for themselves whether our elected public officials in Washington, DC are serving the needs of the people and the Nation or special interests with regards to illegal immigration. The time for action is now, so this book is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss.

This is by far the most honest, critical and down-to-earth discussion of the problem of illegal immigration I've ever read or heard. J.D.Hayworth pulls no punches. He sees the problems for what they are, from mere disregard of the law and our government's refusal to respond to it to the huge financial, cultural and security problems involved. He explodes the myths concerning the so-called benefits to society of their presence and exposes the political correctness and outright lies told by supporters of uncontrolled immigration and by ignorant but well-meaning people of all political persuasions. Prior to reading this book, my own conviction was that some accomodation could and should be made regarding the 12-20 million illegals already in the country. After absorbing Hayworth's analysis, I've changed my mind and agree that deportation of ALL as they are discovered is the only proper method of addressing the issue, if only because we must preserve some semblence of respect for our laws in consideration of the consequences of our failure to do so thus far, and for respect and consideration of all the applicants who seek legal entry to the USA through our front door. Hayworth points out the weaknesses of other proposals to solve this crisis and shoots them all down with facts and especially accurate and unarguable analyses of why they won't work. For anyone interested in the depths of the illegal immigration problems and searching for a fair and workable solution to it, this book is a must read.

Let me begin by saying that I believe that part of the greatness and strength of America is in our history of immigration. I believe that we not only should have immigration, but that our economic well being depends on immigration for a number of reasons. That being said, it is quite clear that we now have a very serious problem with illegal immigration. When communities with large populations of illegal immigrants spend 30-40% of their school budget to educated the children of illegals, when community hospitals that are often on the cusp of insolvency tip into failure because of the unreimbursed medical care they must provide illegals, when there are political groups within our borders calling for portions of our southwest to be returned to Mexico, well, there is a serious problem. Representative J.D. Hayworth is from Arizona and his constituents live on the front line of this problem. While some advocate what amounts to capitulation and failure in addressing the many problems that go into this issue, Hayworth takes a stand for upholding the laws and our security. He does not pretend that the issue is not complex, but realizes that once a commitment is made to enforce existing laws in a serious way, many of the problems either go away or become defined in ways that are clear enough to handle. The contempt for our laws that is bred by the cynical political apathy towards their enforcement has a corrosive effect for our culture and our attitude towards the rule of law generally. When the problem is ignored for votes (even illegal votes!) and supposedly cheap labor (only cheap because the true costs are foisted upon others) it is hard to find a politician who will face the problem seriously. It is even worse when you take into account the way the government of Mexico supports illegal immigration into the U. S. and their brazen contempt for our laws. Representative Hayworth is taking a responsible stand with this book and we should applaud him for doing so. This book is not a work of jingoism or racism or grandstanding, but a heartfelt love of our country and what it stands for. Hayworth is setting out a view of a way forward that will help our country and the immigration process. It seems to me that everyone is sympathetic to the poor in Mexico and elsewhere who want a better life for their families. If our present quotas for immigration are too low, let's raise them. However, letting millions come into this country without order and process is to contribute to the overcrowding of our prisons, increasing the supply of drugs on our streets, increasing the likelihood of terrorist attack, and the exploitation of the poor by not paying them the true cost of their labor. If we have to pay more for lettuce and other produce to be honest in our employment practices, I am all for it. There is a lot of great material in this book. I urge you to read it. Then you should write your elected representatives and make sure that we all put pressu

If you've ever seen J.D. Hayworth on television, you know he is one ot the most articulate spokesmen for the conservative movement. This book reflects that ability to communicate. It is well written, throughly researched, and highly persuasive, at times even funny. He takes on both Republicans and Democrats with the rapier wit and keen eye for exposing the hypocrisy and absurdity of those who excuse illegal immigration. One of the best books of its kind I've ever read. I highly recommend it.

This book is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to know of the negative impacts and threats (with back-up documentation) brought about by the United States' currently broken border, as it pertains to our national security (or lack thereof), economy, strain on our educational and healthcare systems, and crime. As a resident of Arizona and a parent, I am well aware of the increased costs our schools incur to teach non-English-speaking students whose families do not contribute to our tax base. On a daily basis, we see and hear news stories regarding the increased violence and crime (gangs, drugs, and high number of stolen identities) against our society, thereby wreaking havoc on the lives of our legal citizens. Also discussed in the book were the truths beyond the farces (again documented) that have been used to rationalize/justify the non-enforcement of immigration laws that are currently on the books. DEFINITELY WORTH THE READ.