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WASHINGTON (August 2003) -- Victor Davis Hanson, author of Mexifornia: A State of Becoming (Encounter Books), will discuss his provocative challenge to our immigration status quo on an August 19 panel at the National Press Club sponsored by the Center for Immigration Studies.
"Massive illegal immigration from Mexico into California," Hanson writes in his new book, "coupled with a loss of confidence in the old melting pot model of transforming newcomers into Americans, is changing the very nature of our state. Yet we Californians have been inadequate in meeting this challenge, both failing to control our borders with Mexico and to integrate the new alien population into our mainstream."
David Frum of National Review calls Mexifornia "one of the most enlightening books yet written on one of our most difficult subjects." Frederick Lynch's review in the Los Angeles Times said, "Despite sharp edges, Hanson repeatedly demonstrates enormous respect and empathy for immigrants. His criticisms are directed at The System, especially a left-right alliance winking at an open borders policy that first beckons, then exploits and corrupts industrious illegal immigrants."
A fifth-generation farmer in California's Central Valley, Hanson teaches classics at California State University, Fresno. His recent books include Carnage and Culture: Landmark Battles in the Rise of Western Power and An Autumn of War: What America Learned from September 11 and the War on Terror. His new book, Ripples of Battle, will be published by Doubleday this fall.
The panel discussion of Hanson's book will take place August 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Holeman Lounge of the National Press Club, 14th and F Streets, NW. The panel will include:
- Prof. Victor Davis Hanson, author of Mexifornia: A State of Becoming
- Joseph Perkins, syndicated columnist at the San Diego Union-Tribune, former editorial writer for The Wall Street Journal, and former assistant to Vice President Dan Quayle
- Steven Camarota, Director of Research at the Center for Immigration Studies and author of Immigration From Mexico: Assessing the Impact on the United States
The panel discussion is open to the public. Reporters are encouraged to contact the Center for additional access to Prof. Hanson. Contact John Keeley at (202) 466-8185 or [email protected]