*The Founder's Plot WON the Best Screenplay at Santa Dev International Film Festival*
What Happens When the Newly-Elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso Defies the Supreme Court? ... No one would ever know the meeting took place ...
Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority. Immediately, he sets in motion his campaign primary promise—to create a strict immigration law that would do three DiGrasso saw nothing stringent about the law. Others disagreed ... Will DiGrasso’s new immigration law destroy illegal families? Will the U.S. President take action to force DiGrasso to obey the Court? Will Governor Mike DiGrasso survive the assassins’ bullets?
For readers of political thrillers, The Founders’ Plot is a fast-moving political thriller that mirrors hot-button contemporary issues that puts a human face on what are distant abstractions for most Americans.
The narrative opens with Mike, now in his late 40s, preparing to deliver a pivotal speech as he steps into his role as the newly elected governor of California. The following day, he takes the oath of office, with his wife, Josephine, and their three daughters by his side. Mike's supporters are not opposed to immigration, but they are adamant that it must be done legally.
Determined to address the issue, Mike begins drafting a stringent immigration law. This proposed legislation aims to make life difficult for those who have entered California illegally, with plans for deportation and strict measures to prevent further illegal entry. However, Mike is cautioned that immigration policy is a federal matter, and he should tread carefully.
As Mike immerses himself in his new role, Josephine starts to feel increasingly sidelined. Mike, however, is unwavering in his belief that the courts have made poor decisions and are abusing the 'elastic clause.'
The tension builds as Mike’s bold stance raises questions about the future. The author's deep understanding of the complexities between state and federal jurisdictions enriches the story, creating a gripping atmosphere. The well-crafted setting, coupled with unexpected twists, ensures that readers remain engaged until the very last page.
A fascinating and believable political thriller that deftly explores the true price of immigration reform in California.
By the time newly elected California Governor Michael DiGrasso is sworn into office, his mandate from the electorate is clear: eliminate illegal immigration. DiGrasso, a personable Afghanistan War veteran, is supportive of multilingual services, as well as the legal immigration process. But when it comes to illegal immigration, he seeks nothing less than to create an atmosphere where those operating outside the process will no longer want to live in California.
One of the key components of DiGrasso’s plan is to outlaw the sanctuary cities that permit illegal immigrants to live without fear of arrest or deportation. But to fulfill his plan, he’ll have to disobey the U.S. Supreme Court. Doing so emboldens his political opponents, giving them potential ammunition with which to ponder impeachment.
But impeachment isn’t the only potential danger the governor faces. There are people in California who might even kill to maintain the status quo.
Author Frank Victoria explores the detailed political maneuvers needed to end illegal immigration, outlining daunting challenges at the local, state and federal levels. Regardless of readers’ personal stance on illegal immigration, it’s impossible not to find the process of unraveling the current situation – which is laid out in believable detail – extremely sobering. If nothing else, it outlines the political and human cost to see it through.
Meanwhile, Victoria devotes a substantial subplot to the fate of Carlos Castellano, who routinely sells fake documents to illegal immigrants in California. Carlos has a family who would be hugely impacted if things continue to go DeGrasso’s way, and concerns naturally grow along with the governor’s power. Conversations among friends and family members grow more urgent and emotional as judges start getting tough, and undocumented immigrants start getting rounded up and sent back to their country of origin. But Carlos’ story isn’t necessarily intended to show the human toll of the new policy. After all, he’s managed to save quite a nest egg from his illegal activities, and some conversations among Carlos’ network actually support DiGrasso’s position (“We come to their country, and we act as if we deserve everything they do as citizens. How do you think Mexicans would react if the situation was reversed?”). However, the storyline still adds depth to what is already a well-developed story.
The Founders’ Plot may not deliver the most climactic ending, but after hitting several high-intensity notes in earlier chapters, it doesn’t really need one. The book’s thorough exploration of the plight of a true reformist is a timely and important read.