Undocumented Immigration Short Story

Although the stereotype of undocumented immigrants casts them into negative categories such as illegal and different, they are only trying to live a better life. The three pieces, “The Trip,” “Exile,” and “Outlaw” are different selections of poetry, short stories, and articles that outline key events in the lives of undocumented immigrants. Authors, Jose Antonio Vargas, Julia Alvarez, and Laila Lalami share the common goal of revealing the truth behind undocumented immigration. As each of these pieces progresses, the authors establish a common theme, which is that immigrating to a new country for a better life raises many obstacles. The short story, “The Trip,” by Laila Lalami stresses the struggles that the protagonist must overcome in order to successfully reach his ideal life. Murad hopes that he can one day live a life of comfort instead of worry, …show more content…
Even before the characters reach the completely new world, they know that the experience is going to be tough. The protagonist’s father refers to the experience as a lesson when he says, “‘What a good time she’ll have learning to swim!’ (250)” As she compares a new life in America to struggle such as learning how to swim, the author highlights how hard it is for illegal immigrants to adjust to their new lives. When they finally reach America, the protagonist and her father are confused and utterly struck by their new surroundings. The main character notices her father’s confusion when she says, “Papi, you turned, your eyes scanned the horizon, as if you were trying to sight a distant swimmer. (252)” The family has reached their destination, but are greeted only with uncertainty. It is tough to move from one place to another, which takes a drastic leap when switching not only homes, but countries as