New American Pioneers: Why Are We Afraid of Mexican Immigrants?

By Juan Hernández

There is nothing less rational than the entrenched American opposition to immigration, particularly from Mexico. Immigration is vital for America's future for many good reasons: Immigration keeps us young; helps protect our pension systems; keeps down inflation; improves our quality of life; And, immigration is the best anti-poverty program. We need to stop thinking with our prejudices and begin looking at our real self-interests. Let's remember that all but a handful of we Americans came from families that came from somewhere else -Dick Morris, Author and Fox News Channel Political Analyst. Juan Hernandez has written a brilliant new book which redefines for all of us what is means to be Americans.-Rob Allyn, International Political Consultant. Juan: We will never find a way to think you enough for what you have one? especially for the poor, the unemployed, the migrants, the young. -Vicente Fox, President of Mexico

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1562290525
• ISBN13: 9781562290528
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Pneuma Life Pub
• Length: 221 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Beyond the Rhetoric

Having worked closely with Mexican immigrants, both documented and undocumented, I was very excited to read Dr. Hernandez's take on the issue of immigration. I have seen Dr. Hernandez on televsion, and he is undeniably charismatic and well spoken. His book does not disappoint. Most poignant were the stories of Mexican immigrants that Dr. Hernandez wrote based upon interviews with the immigrants, themselves. The story of Sandra, a young girl going to school in Mexico, Missouri. Or Lucia the grape picker, trying to save enough money to buy a decent home. When we are able to look past the rhetoric, and learn about the lives of the actual people involved, we are able to make decisions based upon what is right, and not what is politically expedient or popular. Dr. Hernandez is doing God's work. For Christians, the Lord has instructed us that "the stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." If you have any interest in the issues surrounding immigration, do yourself a favor and read this book. It just may change your mind.

A Powerful Balanced Work for a New Generation of Voters

This book brings a highly documented balanced look at the immigration issue. Written from a strong Christian perspective, Hernandez evangelical faith guides him in his political stance on the undocumented worker. The reader will be challenged with strong footnoted research that Hernandez (who has a Ph.d in poetry) brings to his viewpoints. Hernandez hopes that the both political parties will hear his message. However, it is the Republican Party that can benefit the most from the "family values" oriented immigrants. Studies reveal a majority of the undocumented are to the right of most conservatives. Those who disagree with Hernandez will have a hard time finding authoratative research to back their arguement. Chrisitans will be warmed by how Dr. Hernandez led former Mexican President Vincente Fox to Christ. Those who cannot see that it is a "Good Samartian" philosophy that guides Hernandez writing, are sadly blinded by their own "heart issues of prejudice". Randy H. Skinner Director of Urban Transformation Highland Park Presbyterian Church Dallas, Texas

God Bless US America

This is a valuable contribution to the debate on the future of Mexico, America, and Mexicans in America. The middle part has thumbnail biographies of Mexicans who are living in the US, mostly illegally. These have excellent detail, introductory material that sets the stage, and enough direct quotes that you get a feel for the immigrant's personality and life situation. Preceding that is an autobiography of author J. R. Hernandez, as well as some general comments on Mexican history and Mexican-American relations. This part helps the reader see where the author is coming from, and is particularly useful when there's a sudden turn into uncharted territory. The concluding part offers some thoughts on legalization of illegal aliens currently in America, which the author is solidly for, economic development of Mexico, which the author thinks Canada and the US might be generous enough to fund, and the possible free movement of people across North America's borders. American readers who prefer enforcement of their immigration laws will be incensed as they read repeated accounts of laws being ignored. The whole family eventually came? Driving without a license? Where was my government? Why weren't they stopping this? Let's throw the bums out and get someone in there who will enforce the laws!! Readers whose prefer forgiveness will find each biography to be of a person who should be granted amnesty. Such a wonderful person! Let this one stay! Let them all stay!! This book won't change any minds, but it will give depth to everyone's knowledge of Mexicans illegally in the USA. A minor, but important note: Hernandez often uses the peculiar term "U.S. America", as in "In today's U.S. America there is a vigorous emphasis on the controversial doctrine of separation of church and state." (p. 39) Huh? Perhaps for him the word "America" is ONLY to be used for that entity that has three parts: North, Central, and South. He might prefer new lyrics for the old song "God Bless US America/ Land that I love". Despite its flaws, it's an honorable contribution to the immigration policy debate. Five stars.

From a different viewpoint

Juan Hernandez has been in the thick of things. Been there/ done that. Even if you don't share his viewpoints, his insights and experiences are well worth considering!

Founding Father of the New America

Mr. Hernandez is a likable poet who got caught up in his father's countries history. Today, because of his expertise he is the best source I know of for information about Mexican Immigrants. The book highlights factual information and outlines personal histories of the new americans. Ultimately, the USA will have to accept the reality of our time. Latinos are here to stay. We are Mexico's neighbor, and they are not our enemy. Mr. Hernandez puts this information in perspective with great style. His thoughts aren't agenda driven but more practical and human. He certainly has more depth of knowledge than anyone else writing about this subject.