Illegal: Reflections of an Undocumented Immigrant

Latinos in Chicago and the Midwest

by José Ángel N.

A day after N. first crossed the U.S. border from Mexico, he was caught and then released onto the streets of Tijuana. Undeterred, N. crawled back through a tunnel to San Diego, where he entered the United States forever. "Illegal: Reflections of an Undocumented Immigrant" is his timely and compelling memoir of building a new life in America. Authorial anonymity is required to protect this life.

Arriving in the 1990s with a 9th grade education, N. traveled to Chicago where he found access to ESL classes and GED classes. He eventually attended college and graduate school and became a professional translator.

Despite having a well-paying job, N. was isolated by a lack of official legal documentation. Travel concerns made big promotions out of reach. Vacation time was spent hiding at home, pretending that he was on a long-planned trip. The simple act of purchasing his girlfriend a beer at a Cubs baseball game caused embarrassment and shame when N. couldn't produce a valid ID. A frustrating contradiction, N. lived in a luxury high-rise condo but couldn't fully live the American dream. He did, however, find solace in the one gift America gave him--his education.

Ultimately, N.'s is the story of the triumph of education over adversity. In Illegal he debunks the stereotype that undocumented immigrants are freeloaders without access to education or opportunity for advancement. With bravery and honesty, N. details the constraints, deceptions, and humiliations that characterize alien life "amid the shadows."

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Politics, Biography, Biography Memoir

115 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[R.Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Forward by F. Gonzalez-Crussi does not do justice to what comes in the book itself. Gonzalez-Crussi gives an over-the-top passionate appeal for compassion for the people who come to the United States as undocumented aliens, but he preaches to the choir in that anyone who reads this book probably already wants to reform the immigration laws.
What follows by author Jose Angel N. is far more persuasive. He gives a dispassionate account of what life is like in the United States when you don't have the legal authority to live here. By simply describing how he stays invisible in so many situations as he works his way up the economic ladder, the reader is horrified at how he is forced to behave to duck routine questions from co-workers just so that he won't be found out and lose his job. Throughout Angel N.'s account of his life in the United States, the reader wonders how how he can achieve mental balance year after year of living as a hidden person. Only toward the end of the book, do you get a glimpse of anger cynicism, and even despair.
Skip the Forward, but do read this book. It is an important statement from someone who is living as an illegal in the United States. You won't soon forget this man's story.

[Sarah (is clearing her shelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free Adobe Digital Editions copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, this has not compromised my ability to write an honest and critical review of the book.

23/2 - I just finished the six page foreword by F. Gonzalez-Crussi. It was very well written, informative and properly punctuated. I just hope the author's writing is of a similar standard, because otherwise Gonzalez-Crussi's is really going to shine a spotlight on any editing errors - they will be even more obvious and irritating than they would have been if we hadn't had six pages of such lovely prose. To be continued...

26/2 - The author's writing is good, not quite as lyrical as the foreword, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If Jose Angel N's writing style was similar to F. Gonzalez-Crussi's I would be a bit suspicious considering the journey his life has taken. I do wish that the Mexican interspersed with the English was readable by all - I don't know any Mexican and so I've had to guess from the context what the three instances (so far) of Mexican language mixed into the English were meant to mean. To be continued...

3/3 - Simply ran out of time to finish this. If I ever get the chance to continue reading I will.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book that should be required reading in schools - and the world.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not an easy book to review. It was interesting in that it was from a whole different perspective than what one hears and reads about in the media. My grandparents were immigrants, but unlike this author they came here legally back in the 1920's. The author came with nothing, not even an education, other than a 6th or 8th grade education and ended up getting his GED in I believe, 2 years or less and going onto get both a bachelor's and master's degree. His bachelors degree was for the most part useless, as far as preparation for a job, since he chose to be a Philosophy major. His master's degree was not much better in that it was something like Spanish or Latin American literature. But he did end up getting what seemed like a good job as a translator. But in the end he quit this job suddenly, when new management took over the company and questions arose about his social security number, which was bought for a large sum of money.

Although parts of this book were interesting to hear about from his perspective as an undocumented, or otherwise illegal immigrant, since this man had studied philosophy, much of it was very philosophical and above mine and what I would think many others who would read this, knowledge and understanding. Therefore for much of this I was bored and although this is allegedly a very short book of a little over 125 pages, it seemed much longer most of the time. I wish I could have enjoyed this more, but with it steeped in such philosophical thought, it was often confusing and downright boring.

I received this book as an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I do commend the author for rising above his poverty and lack of schooling, but other immigrants have done the same, but at they came over here legally.

[Marsha Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of hearing the author speak at my city's annual Bookfest. His story of living in the shadows because he is an undocumented immigrant is very powerful. I have friends who are also undocumented so I know of their struggle to make a better life for themselves and their families. They are good people. Our country seriously needs to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship for the hundreds of thousands good people who are forced to live in the shadows.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read, and an important voice. Especially now, as the country debates immigration reform yet again, I get the feeling many of us talk about something we don't understand. While this is not a broad study of immigration, it goes give a personalized account of why Jose came to the US, how he got here, and why he stayed. This should be required reading for all Americans right now.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book quite a bit better after the second reading. I think it was because I was prepared for a non-linear memoir and for the philosopher name dropping. This time I could focus on the writing, the emotions, and the sly sense of humor. It made for a really good discussion as well.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"There is a sparseness to his writing that renders the tension of being neither there nor here, the isolation of the in between"
read more: http://likeiamfeasting.blogspot.gr/20...

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While he conveyed an experience of immigration that most people are unaware of, his choice to frame the book in themes (work, language, etc.) made for a choppy narrative that jumped around in time. It was hard to follow his journey in this way.

[CTEP]

Illegal: Reflections of an Undocumented Immigrant was written by Jose Angel N. It is the story of his crossing, his success and his constant fear. The book begins with the first time he crossed which ended unsuccessfully, but he returns and is more successful than even many American citizens. He learns English, works his way up through a restaurant, attends college, graduate school, and finds a nice corporate job. For many people this would appear to be a great life, but as an illegal immigrant, he had to live in constant fear of being discovered. It was interesting comparing how his life was working at the restaurant, where the majority of people were also illegal, with his corporate job where his coworkers were most likely legal. There were two different securities that could never be obtained at the same time and that as citizen most take advantage of, with the financial security his fear of being discovered increased dramatically while not being financially secure but having a safe environment brought a different type of comfort.

The struggle of being illegal is much deeper than the surface. He discusses his moral struggle, living in a country where he is not recognized as existing. He has essentially become an intruder, but at the same time he has paid his dues just as many citizens do. Also, with the struggles of feeling as an unwanted intruder there is the idea that drugs are being smuggled, in much better conditions than he was, and are readily accepted. It is just interesting how a society accepts drugs and never accepts illegal immigrants, they are constantly viewed as cruel intruders.

There are participants I'm sure many of us deal with, that are illegal immigrants and are just trying to grab that American Dream. Leaving the security of your family and country to live somewhere that will constantly look down on you and leave you stuck is probably the most difficult situation for someone to face, and yet it is still happening, because there is that hope of the American Dream.
His view of politics was very interesting considering current events. He started writing his story in 2008 and wrote the last part in 2012. The political future seemed much more hopeful in 2008 with Obama's inauguration, and slowly dwindled in the eyes of illegal immigrants. It would be very interesting to see his opinion of the most recent changes and hopefully how his life will be dramatically improved.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an eye-opening account of the life and struggle of an undocumented immigrant. The story covers his journey into America and how 2 decades in the States has impacted his life.

In order to attempt understanding of something you are unfamiliar with (in this case, the life of an undocumented immigrant), it is absolutely imperative to do what you can to experience it from the original perspective. Only then can we take everything we know and everything we learn and determine some form of a conclusion/understanding about this new idea. This book was able to produce just this type of experience.

This book is unique, impressive, and horribly eye-opening. It proves that the life of an undocumented immigrant in the States is not as wonderful or cultivating as most American natives believe it to be. It shows the nature of what it means to be undocumented, the restrictions it causes from basic rights, the constant worry of being caught, and the stripping of an identity.

I think this story is so important and should be more widely spread. I hope, due to this review, more people will take a chance on this story to open up their perspective on what undocumented immigrants actually have to suffer and deal through in an attempt at a better life in the States, when reality shows something quite different.

Please give this a try. Now could not be a better time as times have grown ever so fragile for immigrants. Broaden your horizon by attempting this story. What's the worst that could happen?

[Natasha Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic read for anyone who is willing to take a step away from their own biases to listen to the stories of the human beings that are here and are undocumented.

The author tells the story of his life, how he got here and what challenges he’s faced along the way.

As someone who knows others that are here and considered “undocumented” even with them working to get their visas through the DREAMER program, it was heartbreaking to read about the fears present across the board.

To me, this book makes me ask the questions: would I do the same for the chance at a better life? Would I be brave enough to do so?

[Jerry Muzsik · Rating 4 out of 5]

rare in that there are not so many books out there that give a picture of life as an illegal immigrant from Mexico or central america that is not extraordinary. a man that came, was obviously intelligent and worked hard while going to school to make a living in an un-showy and ordinary way. the writing is not brilliant, it's not so literary but god, the world needs more voices that we can imagine and he does a great job there. a book that gives you a sense of a lot of lives in this country that you may not interact with so often

[Susan Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Journey

A stunning description of what it is to flourish as an undocumented immigrant and at the same time always to hide. The book fully describes the daily struggle having to fear of discovery and deportation and trying to live a normal life. This book needs to be read by anyone who wants to understand the painful effects of the ongoing struggle of immigration issues especially between the U.S. and Mexico.

[Susan S. Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Articulate, Touching Story

If Jose Angel N. had been a European, his path to citizenship would have been easy, but because he is Mexican there seems to be no way out of his dilemma. What a waste of potential for the U.S. to deny a path to citizenship to this talented writer.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir was an interesting read. Published by the U Of I Press.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent memoir from an undocumented person. The author is a beautiful writer, able to convey the true emotion behind his experiences. Highly recommended.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading !

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illegal, like its author, doesn’t fit into any of the usual categories. Because the author is undocumented, the book is being published without his full name, but it is being published—and by a university press at that. Jose Angel N., the author, immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in the 1990s. He’d had a ninth grade education up to that point, came from an impoverished community, and was eager for hard work and regular pay. He wound up in Chicago, working first as a dish washer, then slowly making his way up to waiter.

While working as a dish washer, he pursued a GED. After the GED, he entered university. Once he’d graduated, he went on to graduate school. His major? Philosophy. Ultimately, he became a professional translator, married, began to raise a family,and lived what from he outside would look like the American Dream.

As American immigration laws tightened, he quit his job, rather than risk being identified and deported. Presently he’s a “house husband,” watching the ongoing bluster and stasis that is American immigration policy.

In a way, Illegal frustrates because it isn’t the “typical” story of an undocumented life. If one is looking for a narrative that can serve as an exemplar of the experiences of thousands, Illegal isn’t it. But “typical” is a label that rarely applies on the individual level. The label tells us more about those using it, ourselves, than it does about those we might apply it to. The fact is, as Jose Angel N. demonstrates, the U.S. undocumented population is hugely diverse, contributing to our communities and economies on multiple levels.

This book is as much meditation as autobiography, not surprising coming from a philosophy major. We are offered carefully examined snapshots of the intellectual and emotional experience of a life lived “in the shadows” (as one other reviewer rather dramatically put it). On a day-to-day basis, the author faces small events that, because of his immigration status, represent real dangers. Want to buy a beer at the ballpark? You can’t if your state doesn’t issue driver’s licenses to undocumented residents. Having a conversation about the current Presidential election with workplace colleagues? Think carefully about how not to reveal that you cannot vote; don’t get too engaged, so that others wonder why you aren’t wearing that “I’ve Voted” sticker come election day; remember your story, so it remains consistent.

Illegal gives testimony to both the promise the U.S. still holds for those outside its borders and to the contributions made by those often berated as “illegals.” Reading it will leave you, like the author, mourning the lack of a real national dialogue and policy on immigration, one that moves beyond political posturing and serves both immigrant and nation alike.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jose Angel N. crossed the border from Mexico to the U.S. in the late 1990s at the age of 20. He was caught and sent back the first time, but crossed again immediately -- successfully, this time. He then traveled to Chicago, staying with relatives who were working in typical undocumented immigrant jobs doing restaurant work and landscaping. He observed that while the children were assimilating, the adults refused to learn English, and were thus destined to remain in poverty.

Jose took ESL classes, passed the GED on his third try, and from there attended community college, obtained a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a master’s in Latin America Literature. He worked for a large company as a translator for many years before his undocumented status threatened his employment, turning down promotions that would require travel, and married a U.S. citizen.

The writing feels very isolated, which I think is intentional due to the author living a life that could not permit him to be honest with most people. Occasionally there are lovely descriptive phrases reminiscent of many Latin writers. Personalities other than the author’s are practically nonexistent, although in the final chapter we learn a little more about his wife. For most of the book he is quite philosophical (in keeping with his undergraduate degree) about what holds immigrants back and why many U.S. citizens are resentful. Eventually bitterness surfaces as his situation remains (and becomes even more) hopeless.

Of particular interest to me was his struggle to maintain Spanish language skills as he became more fluent in English. He points out that having attended school only through ninth grade in Mexico, the majority of his literary experience came when he began to read books in college. I was also struck by the contrast to his world in the casual way most of us can show a driver’s license to board a plane, order a drink in a restaurant, or see a doctor.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for a book like this for a very long time. I is a very very accurate representation of what life is like in the United States as an undocumented individual. It must of taken a lot of courage to want to write this and to do so. I have an enormous desire to thank the author and I only wish it would be available in more languages so that more people could get a chance to hear his story. I wish my mother could read it but like his mother, mine only speaks Spanish. He is a prime example of why we should work harder to fix the system. So many minds lost. So many minds of young undocumented individuals who give up half way because of advice from well intended family members/friends.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this book was very interesting, it is about an illegal immigrant who came into this country and his struggles to want to be here. I really liked reading his side of it and how he struggled with wanting to fit in more then the others who came here illegally.
I am impressed by how much he wanted to learn in his new country, something I do see a lot of where I live.
I think the book is worth reading, it is interesting to see it from his eyes. I guess if you want something bad enough you would do just about anything. I hope this book helps others like him to become who they need to be.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brave and beautifully told story of the complications and contractions of living as an undocumented immigrant in 21st century America. Jose Angel N. paints a vivid picture of his perilous journey from his native Mexico to Chicago as a young man and his hard work as a menial laborer and philosophy student leading to an advanced degree and a lucrative career as a translator. He describes a life lived with the sword of Damocles hanging over his head, unable to return to his country of birth to see his family, constantly vigilant and alert to the bureaucracies of everyday life that may reveal him. Reading this excellent book reminds us of the immorality and injustice of illegalizing people.

[David Lucander · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick little read, could be useful for classes on immigration. Writing is sharp bit not polished, the author repeats themes of guilt and exclusion too often. This book is too wordy for my community college classes and too melodramatic for sharply analytical readers to countenance. Criticisms aside, this is absolutely worth reading if you're interested in modern US immigration. Props to UIP for going outside of the box by publishing this one.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this gave a really good opportunity to see a face behind an issue that has stigmatized so many. Yes, for many, this issue has brought up much conversation good and bad. What people fail to acknowledge is that - who determines who gets the opportunity to want a better life. So many people forget they have ancestors that came here too.

[Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mesmerizing account of what it means to be undocumented in America today. A painful, yet eye-opening reading journey.

[Kait · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really thoughtful window into overlooked and ignored experiences, but a little heavy-handed with the philosophical references for my taste.

[Jvetrone]

short novel, non-fiction, not heavy handed, good perspective, subtle in it's philosophical musings, somewhat sad reflection of how we treat outsiders in this country