In listening lies wisdom. Decide whatever you want to decide… But, first, inform yourself.”
-- Luis Alberto Urrea (Forward)

Importance: In this quote, Urrea argues that listening can be a form of wisdom and the best way to achieve real information and knowledge. Only after acquiring wisdom and understanding, he says, can a person come to an informed decision on the issue of immigration rights.

…the people in this book are struggling the best they can to get through the day, to keep their families safe, to make a little money, maybe even to save some. Is there anything more American than this? It’s only that they must keep silent. And there’s nothing very American about not being able to speak up."
-- Peter Orner (Introduction )

Importance: Here, Orner points out the ironic fact that, while the immigrants are thoroughly American in their drive to better themselves and their situations, they are denied the classic American right of speaking...