Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio is a multimedia artist and Yale-trained writer whose memoir, The Undocumented Americans, has earned her acclaim from many literary circles. She touches on complex topics in her memoir, such as race, poverty, and immigration, with vulnerable writing and passionate fervor.

Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio moved to Queens, New York as a child. When she was in middle school, Cornejo Villavicencio’s parents became undocumented immigrants, forever altering her future.

The world she occupies is both physically and emotionally isolated, as she is unable to access public libraries, drive a car, or pursue a formal college education. These exclusionary forces have generated a yearning to construct a world that reflects inclusivity of all. She takes this passion and channels it into her writing.

Cornejo Villavicencio holds a degree from Yale College, where she wrote and produced one of the first student-produced plays to feature all immigrants.

The Undocumented Americans is an emotionally moving memoir, exploring Cornejo Villavicencio’s journey as an undocumented woman in the United States. The book shines a light on first-person accounts of immigrant life and shares stories of those struggling to stay afloat in a divided nation.

At the heart of The Undocumented Americans is Cornejo Villavicencio’s journey to become an independent and empowered woman. She speaks of how fear and oppression pushed her to open businesses, complete college, and stand alone in the pursuit of self-sufficiency. Cornejo Villavicencio strives to recognize her individual identity while also highlighting the importance of collective action.

Throughout the memoir, Cornejo Villavicencio vividly portrays the stark realities of undocumented immigrants in America, often painfully and candidly. She provides valuable insight into their lives and the daily struggles they must face. Her book serves as an enduring reminder of the injustices that undocumented immigrants face, constantly promoting advocacy and awareness.

Cornejo Villavicencio has also been featured in several magazines, including the New Yorker and Marie Claire, and has appeared on countless radio shows and podcasts. Through her work, she demonstrates a unique talent for conveying her experiences and perspectives in an engaging, poetic style.

Cornejo Villavicencio’s work provides a means of unification and self-expression to those who feel alone in their journeys. Her passion, mixed with her talent, has driven her to create a book that deserves a spot among the essential works of literature. The Undocumented Americans is a powerful and inspiring book that serves as a testament to the strength and will of an immigrant.