CR #1 The Power of Disclosure

What?

Some words that are used to describe the author, Jose Angel N., are criminal and trespasser. These adjectives can be linked to the law that criminalized every undocumented immigrant within the state boundaries of Arizona. By the law criminalizing undocumented immigrants, it makes it seem okay for others to do the same. Therefore setting off a chain reaction of hatred and discrimination towards immigrants. An example from the text would be when Jose N. says, “The language used to characterize undocumented immigrants has cast them almost exclusively in the form of unlawfulness or criminality. All human features are effaced by one single trait: their unlawfulness and criminality”(xi) How are immigrants supposed to assimilate in this country if we are constantly setting them apart? Another law that was passed was the law in Texas that allows their policemen to ask about a person’s immigration status and threatens anyone who does not comply with federal empoyees. This law would make any undocumented immigrant afraid to leave their homes for even work. It is this type of discrimination that our country should be fighting against.

So what?

The relationships between Jose Angel N. and his colleagues/friends were affected by his legal status tremendously. Depending on the job, and the co-workers that came along with it, Jose’s attitude was . Here he states, “In their eyes, I would cease to be their co-worker. They’d probably see in me only the criminal. The trespasser.” (15) He was comfortable about his legal status around his co-workers at the Mexican restaurant, but was very scared for his co-workers at the office to find out about his legal status. I can understand that his co-workers at the office could possibly be more judgmental of Jose than his co-workers at the Mexican restaurant because some were also undocumented and could therefore relate with Jose. While working at the Mexican restaurant, Jose avoids any plans with his colleagues at the office by saying he is busy or makes up another excuse. While working at the Mexican restaurant, he is more comfortable with his colleagues and is in his element. He feels understood and can relate to his co-workers. In this case, his legal status makes him feel connected to his friends and his peers that surround him. Overall, throughout the book we see how Jose must adapt to continue his success in the U.S. and how these adaptations affect his relationships with his family and his colleagues.

Now what?

Jose’s N.’s story impacted me because it gave a very clear story of what it really is like to be an undocumented immigrant in the U.S.. He gives clear ideas and representations about how undocumented immigrants aren’t criminals, they are normal people just like you and me who just want a better future for themselves and their families. Another impact Jose N.’s story made on me is when he talks about not seeing his family for years. Unlike what some may think, undocumented immigrants are not living their best life in the U.S.. Most undocumented immigrants in the U.S. work jobs that have very rough working conditions and are often underpaid and over worked. They are doing the jobs that no one else would want to do. Jose N.’s story helps show the everyday struggles immigrants go through and the prejudice they face on the daily basis.