The Struggles of Immigrants

Through this theme, the author presents a realistic account of the challenges faced by immigrants to the United States, with a particular focus on those who are undocumented. Her intent is to humanize undocumented people so that the reader will sympathize with them, as this is a controversial issue in American society. She demonstrates that people often become undocumented through a series of impossible choices. Mauro and Elena come to the U.S. legally on temporary visas, as many immigrants do, and after Nando is born on American soil, their lives suddenly become much more complicated. They come to the U.S. for greater possibilities, because Colombia is a country where “it felt impossible to get ahead if one wasn't born to a certain class, rich or corrupt, or talented and beautiful” (34). Having just arrived, Mauro and Elena still believe in the U...