Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe
Published: 2009
Pages: 394
It's About: Four Mexican girls being raised in Colorado. All four girls had at least one parent who entered America illegally. Of the four girls, one was born a U.S. citizen, one became a legal resident, and two lacked documents. Helen Thorpe, wife of then Mayor John Hickenlooper (later Governor), followed the four girls from their senior year in high school through college (all four graduated with a Bachelor's Degree) and into life after college. The story begins in 2004 and brings us to 2009 with an afterward written in 2011. The story is an eye-opening look at immigration from the point of view of two intelligent, brave young women who have no way to get driver's licenses or any other form of identification legally, cannot receive federal funding for college, cannot work legally in the United States and risk deportation if they get caught breaking the law. It is an amazing story of two women who have managed to graduate from college against all odds.
My Thoughts: This is one of those books that forces me to re-evaluate my very narrow, little black and white world. Unfortunately, immigration has not been one of those issues that I have kept up on. I always figured that illegal immigrants were on their own in the deportation battle because they had broken American laws to enter the country. Until reading this book, I did not realize the issues raised as many of those people brought their children with them when they crossed the borders. Those children were raised in America, do not remember their countries of origin and yet are not able to be legal citizens in America. The only option they have is to go back to their country of birth and try to enter the country legally. Many of them are the oldest children in their families and their siblings were all born legally in America. Many times at least one of their parents is also legal. They know no other way but the American way.
I am a mother. If I needed to break laws in order to provide my child food, clothing and shelter, I would do so.
Now America must make decisions. Do we grant these children that are not legal - through no choice of their own - amnesty?
Where are they suppose to go? What are they suppose to do without legal status?
There are no easy answers and my little world has been tipped upside down as I wrestle with this issue.
Once a mother, always a mother and what I wish for my children, I wish for all children.
This sounds good, I am going to check the library and see if it is available.
ReplyDeleteI am like you, I have different thoughts on the whole issue. On one hand - the rule of law is so important. On the other hand - real people are affected. Then back to the first hand, illegal immigration is a problem for the country on so many levels, and if we don't enforce laws, it is anarchy. Back to the second hand, what about compassion for the children? It is difficult, with no easy answers.
Allow me to send you my copy. I would be glad to share it with you and especially if you discussed it on your blog from your own theological perspective - perhaps tying it into some Bible passages.
ReplyDeleteA complicated issue, for sure. Perhaps because I'm from California, I come in contact with people all the time who are affected by this. This book sounds like it's told from an interesting perspective, though, and would be interesting to read. I've known many people whose residency status isn't current or legal, and yet they are required to be current on any income taxes they may owe. And others who were able to get state funding for education due to minority status even though, again, they weren't completely 'legal'...and yet my brothers had to work their way through school. How is that for bizarre? My husband's family is here because his grandparents figured out a way to establish themselves here, though, so I'm thankful for that! I've no idea what the answer is. Get's you thinking.
ReplyDeleteMelody: Exactly. After reading the book I came away realizing there just isn't a good solution. I know that the economic downturn has prevented some immigrants from moving here and I wonder if the immigrant issue has been on the back burner (politically) until we have a lower unemployment rate. The book is very interesting because it showcased two very intelligent young women that would have outstanding futures if not for their illegal status. One of these women even had two younger sisters that were legal and had the benefit of Federal monies for college and scholarships that decided not to pursue their college educations. It left me feeling so sad and disappointed.
DeleteSounds very moving.
ReplyDeleteI'm the child of immigrants.
Immigration is a hard call and I definitely understand and sympathize with both sides of the argument.
I tell you I can't imagine being sent to the countries of my parents. Once you're born and raised here, it's all you know.
Great selection.
Awesome review.
JuJu: I think that was the hardest part for me to read. These girls would have a very hard time acclimating to Mexico. I think they both have a whole lot to contribute to America and, quite possibly, it may be their voices that could help solve this problem. Thanks for contributing your thoughts. I know this issue affects many families and people very directly.
DeleteOh I love books that make us think and step outside of our comfortable boxes. This sounds like a great read, it's amazing what we as humans would do in extraordinary situations. And its refreshing to get viewpoints from both sides of the same story, in this case immigration.
ReplyDeleteMegan @ Storybook Love Affair
Megan - this was definitely a thinker book for me. I will be following the issue much more closely now.
DeleteOh it is definitely a big issue with lots of grey areas. Living in Texas, I see it and hear about it quite a bit. I think it would be easier if the children all grew up, went to college and became educated. So many of them grow up afraid or people take advantage of them and they can't do anything about for fear of being deported. I can't help but wonder if it is worse for many of them in the long run. Well until laws are changed anyway.
ReplyDeleteAlexis: I would love to discuss this issue with you from a legal standpoint and, especially coming from a Texas viewpoint. I do feel like it is harder to be stuck between two countries, never being able to call either your home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a good review of a tough book, Belle.
ReplyDelete