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The Latino Threat

How Alarmist Rhetoric Misrepresents Immigrants, Citizens, and the Nation, Third Edition
Leo R. Chavez
June 2025
382 Pages
Hardcover ISBN: 9781503638532
Paperback ISBN: 9781503642539
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News media and pundits too frequently perpetuate the notion that Latinos, both US-born and immigrants, are an invading force bent on destroying the American way of life. Leo R. Chavez challenges the basic tenets of this assumption and other myths of the "Latino threat," providing a critical investigation into the fears and prejudices that are used to malign an entire population. In this updated and expanded third edition of his groundbreaking book, Chavez incorporates Donald Trump's emergence in American political life, with particular focus on the US-Mexico border as a site of political theater and the further sharpening of anti-Latino and anti-immigration rhetoric in public discourse. He also includes new discussions of "anchor babies," Dreamers and DACA, Latina reproduction and white replacement theory, and the emotional and psychological effects of negative political rhetoric on those whom it targets. Through trenchant analysis, this book reexamines urgent questions about what it means to be American.

"Since its initial publication, The Latino Threat has occupied a unique place in the literature on immigration. There is nothing else like it. In this well-written, tightly organized, and well researched third edition, Chavez powerfully highlights the ongoing impact of the 'Latino Threat' narrative, particularly on Latinos themselves. In light of the current political landscape, where immigration continues to be a hot button issue, this is a highly original and important contribution to debates over citizenship and national belonging."
—Jonathan Xavier Inda, University of Illinois Chicago

"With keen analysis, compelling material, and updated research, this third edition of Leo Chavez's Latino Threat offers readers new insight into the nation's response to Latino immigrants, skillfully and thoroughly debunking prevailing myths. This classic book, now covering 18 years, challenges us to reconcile the conflicting and contradictory perceptions of newcomers' impact on our nation, whether seen as a foundation built by immigrants or one under attack. The updated content in this edition enriches the book with a powerful new engagement of ideas that date back centuries. Latino Threat continues to be one of the most important books of our time."
—Roberto G. Gonzales, author of Lives in Limbo: Undocumented and Coming of Age in America

"Leo Chavez's explanation of the 'Latino threat narrative' has unfortunately never been more timely. Written in clear, accessible language, this thoroughly updated edition shows why the concept continues to be crucial for understanding the politics of immigration in the Trump era. The Latino Threat Narrative is absolutely essential reading for cutting through today's heated rhetoric around immigrants and immigration."
—Aviva Chomsky, author of Central America's Forgotten History: Revolution, Violence, and the Roots of Migration

Leo R. Chavez is Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Irvine. He is the author of several books, including Anchor Babies and the Challenge of Birthright Citizenship (Stanford, 2017). He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2023.

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