This important book describes the changes in our state's demographic structure and the consequences of that transformation. The book begins with a discussion of our earlier immigration laws and the politics that brought us to present mass immigration. There are many charts and tables to explain the research findings and trends. The author describes the economic impact on local communities, the differences in assimilation of various ethnic groups and the huge implications for education. Clearly the author is concerned about the consequences of less assimilation, the growing division between rich and poor, the financial burden of educating many of the immigrants and the consequences to our citizens who are low-skilled workers. Dr. Clark suggests that our policy should be primarily based on education and skills. We should consider age limits for elderly would-be immigrants and a limit on benefits which would be tied to lifetime work in the U.S.
This is a must-read book. Ask your library to buy it. Its contents will help us write our pleas to members of Congress. It has the potential to wake up our politicians who prefer not to face the long-term consequences of their own actions.
Dr. William A.V. Clark is a professor in the Department of Geography at UCLA. He teaches courses on population and the environment and resources, plus international migration and impact of immigration. He has published seven books and more than 200 articles. He is a recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship.
— by Carol Joyal
