Book Of Unknown Americans Essay

1056 Words3 Pages

Understand the life of immigrants in the U.S. The immigrant experience is different for everyone depending on why they migrated to the U.S. Many come for a better, safer life that comes with many job and learning opportunities. However, the overall experiences for immigrants are difficult due to finances, leaving family behind, racism, and so much more that comes with being a different skin color. In the book The Book of Unknown Americans, Cristina Henriquez explores those experiences I just listed through the characters in the book. Finance is one of the biggest issues immigrants face. In the book the Toro family somewhat struggled with money, as Rafael was the only one supporting the family. When Rafael thought he was going to get a job, …show more content…

Alma could imagine her parents standing in the kitchen just as she remembered it when they left, as her mother brought her up to date on the latest gossip back home. Alma stated, “but hearing it all only made me feel more disconnected from Patzcuaro, oddly disappointed to hear that life was still going on even without us there”(53). This example connects to my definition, because many immigrants have to leave their families behind. They leave behind the only life they know and don't feel whole without it. If Alma had a choice, she would have stayed in Mexico, but they had to get Maribel the help she needed. Leaving behind everyone you love is one of the most difficult aspects of migration because you have to learn to live without the people you love: their presence, their knowledge, their voice, their smell, their personalities, and so much more. The author included this in the story because it is something every immigrant goes through, and it's important to acknowledge their strengths. Many don't realize what immigrants go through and who/what they leave behind. This conversation between Alma and her mother truly shows how difficult migrating …show more content…

The officer dealing with the incident went to see Alma in the hospital to talk to her about what happened. “Officer Mora looked me in the eye ‘I’m so sorry about before,’ he said, ‘when you came to the station.’ His face was grave. "We're going to get justice for you now, though, I’ll make sure of it” (268).That word, justice, was just a word to Alma, it didn’t mean anything. This example connects to my definition because many immigrants face racism, whether it’s dirty looks, comments, or actions. Throughout the book, characters face racism everyday, which not only happens in books, but in real life. Many don’t like to face the issue of racism, and they choose to ignore it because it doesn’t affect them. However, for those that have to deal with racism, it is extremely difficult, and can cause extreme harm. The author included this in the story because oftentimes people don’t see racism as a big deal, but it is. Arturo could’ve been shot just for the fact he didn’t know English or couldn’t understand what was going on. Another key factor added was Alma saying that the word justice meant nothing to

Open Document