The Illicit American is a true story about Raymond "Cass" Archuleta. The story is propelled by intrigue, violence, love, hate, wanton sex, humor, and revenge. Cass, 28, is the Illicit American. A once honorable man, he is forced by poverty into smuggling illegal aliens to support his destitute family. Vowing to engage in the repugnant profession only until he is on his feet financially, he is seduced by power and greed culminating in the creation of the largest illegal alien smuggling ring in the U.S. from his base in San Diego from 1969 to 1972. Frustrated federal agents place Cass on the "Ten Most Wanted" list and his empire is eventually toppled by a quirk of fate. He served one year in prison and is now a respectable citizen. The book is co-authored by Dr. Manuel Vic Villalpando because of his many credentials and his doctoral dissertation on the subject of undocumented migrant workers. The epic is energized by the antics of Mario, Julio, and Will, Cass' childhood friends.