The American dream of Los Angeles is being fundamentally reshaped by a massive influx of immigrants. David Rieff examines how millions of new arrivals from Asia and Latin America, both legal and undocumented, have transformed the city's landscape and its very identity. He posits that this demographic shift in Los Angeles is a microcosm of a larger global phenomenon: the movement of non-white populations into traditionally white societies, turning the United States into a global anthology of peoples. The book explores the social, cultural, and political implications of this profound transformation.

The book offers a sociological examination of Los Angeles, framing it as a pivotal location for understanding late 20th-century demographic shifts. Rieff's analysis focuses on the profound impact of immigration on the city's identity and the broader American narrative. The work is characterized by its focus on the social and cultural consequences of these demographic changes, positioning Los Angeles as a key site for observing global population movements. The author's perspective highlights the transformation of the United States into a more globally diverse nation.