Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s The Undocumented Americans is an eye-opening account of the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants in the United States. By traveling the country and talking to individuals and families who have lived through some of the most challenging stories imaginable, Cornejo Villavicencio sheds light on the hidden lives of undocumented immigrants.
The Undocumented Americans begins with Cornejo Villavicencio’s personal story of being an undocumented immigrant in the USA. She was born in Ecuador and moved to America with her family when she was six. Despite her incredible academic achievement, she faced a wide range of obstacles due to her lack of citizenship and the opportunities afforded to it. The book captures her personal struggle and those of many other individuals in a poignant, engaging way.
The book then turns its focus to the stories of undocumented immigrants who live across the country. From Chicago to Lamar, Texas, Cornejo Villavicencio explores the myriad of problems they experience. She tackles the topics of housing and employment discrimination, limited access to health care, and the constant fear of deportation. Throughout the book, Cornejo Villavicencio takes a journalistic approach, relying on interviews with the subjects and illuminating their stories through her dynamic writing style.
The Undocumented Americans shines a light on the vast injustices faced by undocumented immigrants who live in the US. While it is an undeniably difficult read at times, it is uplifted by anecdotes of those who refuse to let their difficult circumstances define them. We meet inspiring figures who are determined to make a life for themselves, despite the impediments they face.
Cornejo Villavicencio also uses the book to explore the political and legal climates surrounding immigration. Throughout, she touches on the various policies and laws that have been designed to prevent immigrants from reaching their goals—the tragic consequences of this for many undocumented immigrants.
Though The Undocumented Americans is a tough, incredibly moving read, it is ultimately a hopeful one. Cornejo Villavicencio doesn’t shy away from the gravity of the current status of the United States’ immigration system. But she believes that change is possible, giving hope to both those who share the same dreams and those who hope to make a difference.
By meeting and talking to immigrants around the country, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio has crafted a compelling narrative in The Undocumented Americans. It speaks to the resiliency of human spirit by giving a voice to those who often have one denied. It’s a must-read that provides much-needed insight into a large segment of society that is too often overlooked due to its legal status.
