Mexifornia: A State of Becoming

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Encounter Books,USA

Mexifornia is a captivating work that blends history, political analysis, and personal memoir, offering a profound insight into the complex and multifaceted nature of California. Authored by Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned military historian and social commentator, the book is a testament to Hanson's deep connection with the state he calls home. A fifth-generation Californian, Hanson resides on a family farm in the Central Valley, where he has penned poignant elegies on the decline of agrarianism, such as Fields Without Dreams and The Land Was Everything. In Mexifornia, Hanson delves into the transformative changes that have occurred in California over the past quarter century, examining how the state, as well as the Southwest region and indeed the entire nation, have been profoundly impacted by the loss of borders.

While Hanson admires the ambition and resilience of immigrants who have contributed to the strength and vitality of California, he also takes a critical stance towards the disordered immigration policies that have led to the current predicament. He sheds light on the harmful effects of these policies on individuals from Mexico and Central America who are seeking a better life in the United States. Nearly twenty years after the first publication of Mexifornia, Hanson provides an updated analysis of the ongoing tragedy of illegal immigration. At the same time, he remains hopeful that the traditions of integration, assimilation, and intermarriage, which have defined California's rich cultural heritage, may yet offer a solution to the challenges created by politicians and ideologues.

Through his insightful and thought-provoking writing, Hanson challenges readers to consider the broader implications of immigration and its impact on society. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the values that have made California a unique and vibrant place, while also addressing the challenges posed by demographic changes and the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Mexifornia is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of California, the Southwest, and the nation as a whole.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641771269