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Border Insecurity: Why Big Money, Fences, and Drones Aren't Making Us Safer Hardcover – April 22, 2014
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length256 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSt. Martin's Press
- Publication dateApril 22, 2014
- Dimensions6.46 x 0.95 x 9.51 inches
- ISBN-101137278900
- ISBN-13978-1137278906
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“A highly readable, yet comprehensive, book about US border security situation with zero political agenda - hidden or otherwise - to cloud Longmire's observations, research or judgment. In a national atmosphere of near hysteria, when it comes to "discussions" of immigration (both legal and illegal), terrorism, border control, law enforcement and the undeniable infiltration of Mexican (and other) cartels into American society, thank goodness we have a seasoned, and reasoned, voice to learn from.” ―Nicholas Stein, Former Series Producer, National Geographic's Border Wars
“Sylvia Longmire's riveting book tells the stories of the people on all sides of this complex issue. It challenged everything I thought I knew about America's borders in a compassionate, fair, and fascinating way. These are the things we (citizens) need to know about our borders and how our approach and policies affect people's lives.” ―Christine McKinley, Investigator on History Channel's Decoded, and author of Physics for Beautiful People
“Mesmerizing… Longmire's approach transcends political ideologies. Border Insecurity provides an excellent description of why and how, in spite of the best intentions and billions of taxpayer dollars, there are still a tremendous number of problems centered on security along our Mexican and Canadian borders.” ―Robert Lee Maril, author of The Fence
“Once again, Sylvia has shown she has a hands-on understanding of the impact that Mexico's nearly decade-long war against narco-cartels and transnational crime syndicates is having on not only America's border with Mexico, but deep into America's interior. Having spent considerable time on the southwest border myself, I can attest to the accuracy and hard work that she's put into this important new exposé on the rippling effects of Mexico's drug war.” ―Anthony Kimery, Executive Editor, Homeland Security Today Magazine
About the Author
Sylvia Longmire is an independent consultant, former Air Force officer and Special Agent, and a former senior intelligence analyst for the State of California. She is also frequently an expert witness in US immigration cases. Ms. Longmire has been interviewed extensively by FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, AOL News, BBC Radio, The Miami Herald, The Houston Chronicle and The San Diego Union-Tribune, among others. She is a contributing editor for Homeland Security Today magazine and Breitbart Texas, and the author of Cartel. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.
Product details
- Publisher : St. Martin's Press; First Edition (April 22, 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1137278900
- ISBN-13 : 978-1137278906
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 6.46 x 0.95 x 9.51 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #4,002,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #623 in Immigration Policy
- #4,808 in National & International Security (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Sylvia Longmire is a service-disabled veteran, mother, author, consultant, entrepreneur, world traveler, and the former Ms. Wheelchair USA 2016. She traveled extensively from an early age and during her time as an Air Force officer and Special Agent. After she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2005, her ability to walk started to deteriorate. Fortunately, the progression of her MS was slow enough that she could gradually adapt to new ways of living. Sylvia had to learn how to travel with a walker, and eventually with an electric scooter. Her work as a consultant has taken her all across the United States, and her addiction to leisure travel has taken her (and her scooter) as far as the deserts of Dubai and the glaciers of Alaska. She often travels alone, and is continually invigorated by the kindness and offers of help from strangers in every corner of this beautiful world.
However, Sylvia is battling the clock. MS is a progressive disease without a cure, and she doesn t know how much longer her body will allow her to travel. So as long as her wallet allows, Sylvia is knocking both domestic and international destinations off her bucket list as quickly as she can She chooses her destinations based on their levels of wheelchair accessibility, as well as whether she ll be able to travel there alone or need a companion. Her goals are twofold: to educate people at home and abroad about the needs and capabilities of disabled travelers, and to encourage people with disabilities to leave their fears behind and seek adventure. Through her photography from the vantage point of a seated position, Sylvia hopes to inspire other wheelies to create their own photo-worthy moments abroad.
When she s not traveling, Sylvia works as a consultant and subject matter expert on Mexico s drug war and border security issues. She has two books in print, Cartel and Border Insecurity, and she has appeared on most major national news and radio networks. She is also an accessible travel agent and owns/manages the Spin the Globe / Travel agency. Sylvia is a single mom to two amazing boys who inspired her to form The PreJax Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides college scholarships to students with MS or who have a parent with MS. All proceeds from the sale of The View from Down Here will be donated to the Foundation.
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Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate the insightful analysis of complex issues and how each one affects others. The book provides a balanced view of pros and cons, providing an objective evaluation.
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Customers find the book's pacing good. They mention it's well-written, easy to read, and superbly documented. The conclusion is well-written and spells out in vivid detail the consequences of continuing.
"...The book is objectively written and tells the pros and cons for what it is...." Read more
"The conclusion of this book is well written, you just have to read 202 pages to get to it, you should probably read it first...." Read more
"...This book is a must read for anyone, professional or layman, who is interested in national security, and spells out in vivid detail the consequences..." Read more
"Great reading!!!" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's insights. They say it sheds light on multiple complex issues and how each issue affects other issues. The book is objectively written, describing pros and cons, and providing an easily readable, well-documented evaluation of one of the most important issues.
"...The book sheds light on multiple complex issues and how each issue affects other issues...." Read more
"Some eye opening information and detailed examples of the power of the Drug Cartels. Also, some consideration is given to the Canadian border...." Read more
"...Sylvia Longmire is a non political, easily readable, and superbly documented evaluation of one of the most important issues of our time, border..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2024Good read!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2014Border Insecurity is a must read to get a better understanding of the issues that plague the United States borders, the economy and the government. The book sheds light on multiple complex issues and how each issue affects other issues. It shows that there is no simple solution to securing our borders. This book also touches on the narco war and is an eye opener for those that think there is not a problem at the border. The book is objectively written and tells the pros and cons for what it is. The issues at the border doesn't stop at the border, it affects every city in every state. This is a great book. Buy it, learn from it and help educate others on these very important issues. I'm not the best speaker, writer or that great at expressing myself, but this book will not disappoint you. I look forward to her third book!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2014Some eye opening information and detailed examples of the power of the Drug Cartels. Also, some consideration is given to the Canadian border. I would consider this a primer. So, if you are looking for a quick run down on where we stand and how the Federal Government has made some big mistakes, Then it is a good read.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2014Reading 2% or a portion of anything is a fatal flaw and an epic failure on the part of anyone who reads to gain knowledge or insight into anything. Knowing the name of the author and making an inference that a person is affiliated with a cause that you oppose , based solely on what you think something is about speaks volumes about ones credibility to accurately critique. I'd like to know what Mr. Rose can infer based upon reading 2% of the constitution, the affordable care act, or the bible. I have also read 2% of Mrs. Longmire's book and can accurately say that she wrote it, there is a cover, and that she thanks her husband and children. I am very excited to read the other 98% of it to find out if I myself can make an inference about it. Even reading 51% of something would be more advantageous to someone with the need to set the world straight on a topic. After getting into 51% of President Obama's ethnicity we can safely say that he is the first mulatto President, and not a radical Islamic jihadist bent on conquest of the united states and the implementation of a communist state. Always finish what you start if possible, or don't write a 100% review.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2014If you watch the National news with any sort of regularity, you have probably noticed that there is much to be said about illegal immigration and our border security-primarily the Mexican Border. Since 9/11, border security has become a hot button issue and a highly contested political talking point during each election cycle. Border Insecurity: Why Big Money, Fences, And Drones Aren't Making Us Safer by Sylvia Longmire is a comprehensive, and well researched look at the many issues involved with the security of our borders with Mexico, and to some extent Canada.
This is not a breeze of a read, but is easy to follow and quite interesting. Sylvia Longmire has done her homework, offering the latest in Government and University statistics, as well as personal anecdotes from those who either work in border security, or are involved in the political leadership on both sides of the fence. I learned a lot from this book, because like many Americans I only knew what was fed to me via news outlets, or politicians who are not always forthcoming with the whole story. Within these pages I have found an explanation of the problems, and the many botched solutions that have been tried over decades.
For instance, the U.S./Mexican border encompasses over 2000 miles of terrain, and it was estimated to cost approximately $2 million per mile to build a fence from beginning to end as of 2008. In 2012 it was re-estimated at roughly $20 million per mile. This is just one of many signs of ineptitude that is brought to the surface; billions have been spent over the years for security measures that have been proven untenable, and of little help in our fight to secure our borders.
Border Insecurity goes deeper than just cost analysis and political intrigues involved with the issue. There are numerous stories of drug cartel violence, political corruption, drone technology, citizen's groups-both for and against immigration, as well as first-hand accounts of American land owners being treated unfairly, with issues such as Imminent Domain and government over-reach being investigated.
As we witness the issues of illegal immigration, drug trafficking and it's connected violence, and the wasting of billions of American tax dollars spent on a fool's errand, Border Insecurity by Sylvia Longmire offers anyone with an interest in this important issue a very well researched account of the history and processes involved with our border security issues. She lays out a meticulous accounting of all issues attached to America's struggle to offer its citizens not only security from foreign threats, but also a mechanism that will stem the tide of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
In addition to the comprehensive information presented here, Longmire also throws her two cents into the discussion, and frankly, her ideas may be some of the better ideas offered in many years. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in domestic politics, homeland security, immigration issues, current events and history.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2014I bought the Kindle version and only got 2% into the book when I read: "Virtually everyone n America agrees that terrorism is a major threat to our national security, and as a result, counterterrorism policies and strategies are top priorities for the current Administration." Please allow me to repeat myself for emphasis: "counterterrorism policies and strategies are top priorities for the CURRENT ADMINISTRATION." HOGWASH!. This sentence alone makes obvious the authors blind allegiance to the current President and all the incompetent hacks who head this Administration's Cabinet positions (witness the recent revelations regarding 36,000 criminal illegal aliens - murderers, rapists, sex offenders etc. - being released into American society last year alone). Add to that the well known fact that Muslim Brotherhood "officials" have made numerous White House visits! Therefor, in my opinion, reading any further is a waste of time that could be better spent reading any number of the other wonderful books offered by Amazon.
Top reviews from other countries
RandalReviewed in Canada on August 17, 20155.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Great insight


