Deported Americans: Life after Deportation to Mexico

by Beth C. Caldwell

When Gina was deported to Tijuana, Mexico, in 2011, she left behind her parents, siblings, and children, all of whom are U.S. citizens. Despite having once had a green card, Gina was removed from the only country she had ever known. In Deported Americans legal scholar and former public defender Beth C. Caldwell tells Gina's story alongside those of dozens of other Dreamers, who are among the hundreds of thousands who have been deported to Mexico in recent years. Many of them had lawful status, held green cards, or served in the U.S. military. Now, they have been banished, many with no hope of lawfully returning. Having interviewed over one hundred deportees and their families, Caldwell traces deportation's long-term consequences—such as depression, drug use, and homelessness—on both sides of the border. Showing how U.S. deportation law systematically fails to protect the rights of immigrants and their families, Caldwell challenges traditional notions of what it means to be an American and recommends legislative and judicial reforms to mitigate the injustices suffered by the millions of U.S. citizens affected by deportation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Latinx

248 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2019

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I do not think this book will change the mind of the most ardent supporters of deportation and closed borders, I did find the arguments to be quite compelling. The qualitative research was a great addition to the charts, graphs and statistics that usually accompany debates on immigration. Simultaneously, I really enjoyed the suggestions made for revisions to both judicial and legislative action.

The author makes a strong case that “ From a moral perspective, the more someone has become integrated into a society, the more troubling their deportation becomes “ and while most of what I have read previously has focused on creating a path for citizenship, she shifts the focus to those who have already been expelled from our country, most with no hope to return.

This book is a call to action, we should send copies to our representatives in Congress.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book on what happens to people in Mexico who are deported after living in the United States. Increasingly, the USA is reporting people in greater numbers. The author interviews the personal experiences of deported people, the statistical evidence of benefit and harm. The court cases and laws affecting immigrants and refugees in immigration. A pretty upsetting and unsettling book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While certainly not a comprehensive view of the topic, this book covers deportation law, ethics (or lack thereof), and the personal tragedies it causes. Although the author’s writing was sometimes “above my grade level” she did a great job explaining the law as colloquially as possible.

[Doni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative and really liked the author's political stance.

[Qoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sad but informative.