Shadowed Lives: Undocumented Immigrants in American Society

by Leo R. Chavez

One of the few case studies of undocumented immigrants available, this insightful anthropological analysis humanizes a group of people too often reduced to statistics and stereotypes. The hardships of Hispanic migration are conveyed in the immigrants' own voices while the author's voice raises questions about power, stereotypes, settlement, and incorporation into American society.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[Wendy Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for anthro of latinx class, but i think the discussion of immigration and labor exploitation is pretty relevant to "human trafficking"

[Christian Cabunag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed Lives is a comprehensive ethnography written by Anthropologist Leo R. Chavez. The ethnography directly observes and explores the lives of struggling undocumented immigrants coming from Central and Latin America. Chavez describes the living conditions, motives, and family life of the immigrants crossing the U.S./Mexico border. Chavez tells stories from several perspectives, depicting the experiences of immigrants who have crossed the border several times, immigrants who have been deported, immigrants who have lived in unsanitary conditions, etc. Through these stories, Chavez illustrates the dedication, and the heart of the Latin American immigrants. Throughout the ethnography, Chavez describes the relationship between the authorities in Southern California, most especially San Diego, and immigrants crossing the border. He describes the suspense when immigrants slyly create plans to slip past border patrol. Chavez also explores the perspectives of the residents living in San Diego. Through this, the ethnography effectively shows the reactions, and political and social atmosphere between the San Diegans and immigrants. This is a great, informational, and at times emotional read, and I recommend this book to anyone interested in the immigration conflict in the United States.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite ethnographies that I've read. Clear and persuasive, the author wove in statistics and interview quotes to back up every assertion he made, lending credibility to his depictions of the lives of undocumented immigrants. The book was broad in scope but still managed to achieve depth on key themes, and the writing was both powerful and accessible.

[LA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Case study by an Anthropologist of a San Diego County community, although it still has some relevance to the diss because of its discussions of work, family and migration which can be generalized in many other southwestern communities.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this for a class and I never knew any of this stuff. Great ethnography.

[Jdi Lopez c]

Nice