Diary of an Undocumented Immigrant

by Ramón "Tianguis" Pérez, Dick J. Reavis (Translator)

This highly literate and engrossing autobiographical account of survival as a "wetback" or "mojado", to use the author's own words, affords the reader an unexpurgated look at the United States, its economy and culture from the perspective of that so often maligned and misunderstood immigrant: the undocumented worker.

Genres: Nonfiction

237 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The inconveniences of a wetback’s life last only until he gets home again.”

[Antonia]

I found "Tianguis'" perspective on life in Mexico and in the U.S. unique and enlightening. His sense of humor is subtle and observant, and his expectations were naive in some surprising ways (e.g., how easy it would be to find work), and startlingly jaded in other ways. I have heard many people who are not from the U.S. comment on the lack of community togetherness in American culture. He is very specific about it - we lack social celebrations where people come together for several days and let go of their routine. ("En mi pueblo no era de esa manera [ir a trabajo, regresar a casa, y en los fines de semana o de fiesta, ir al cine o tomar cerveza], nosotros teníamos festivales en los que todo el mundo estaba in convivencia por tres of cuatro días a la vez...nosotros sabíamos cómo trabajar y cómo olvidarnos del trabajo por un rato.") I personally believe we need more public space and more effort to build those kinds of traditions in the U.S., but our economic system discourages it because profit motives outweigh social motives...so these comments really hit home for me.

Recommend!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very realistic portrayal reflecting the title of the novel. It was a interesting step by step saga of the challenges faced by illegal aliens coming to the USA. A solution to "undocumented immigrants" should be developed and implemented - anything is likely better than the status quo.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book, I didn't expect much. But I found it to be a very intriguing and insightful portrait of the life as a Mexican illegal immigrant in the United States.

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

:\ Important informationally, but written in such a weird, disjointed way. I don't know how to describe it.

[Sean O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent primer on the strange immigration laws at work in the U.S.A.

[Peter Kilkelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good look at life as an undocumented immigrant in the US and how they live.