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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
This should be mandatory reading for those who want to talk about immigration. It has a valuable perspective that often gets overlooked or smothered. Jose's experiences of trying to 'get legal' in a hostile system are important to understand as we approach the current political climate. The book stays away from partisan politics and focuses on being a memoir with a message. I think readers from any political affiliation will learn something valuable by reading this book.
What a book. Seriously. Vargas breaks down the immigration system--or lack thereof--in highly personal ways. His story is one of both the American Dream and the American Nightmare.
I usually consider myself fairly knowledgable, but there were several aspects to immigration that I did not know. Namely, some folks are left in limbo. There's no way for them to become citizens. There's no way for them to really leave.
So, yeah the book stoked my anxiety for all the people who live in fear and apprehension--especially the kids who were brought to the US so this is the only home they've ever known. Vargas also points out that South Asians are the largest growing immigrant population and that most immigrants are here due to how the US has meddled in other countries, often destabilizing them. Vargas also points out that folks on the Left have ridiculous purity tests for undocumented Americans even while the Right can be downright threatening.
As in so many of today's issues, immigration is not simple. It is not black and white--neither literally nor figuratively.
I usually consider myself fairly knowledgable, but there were several aspects to immigration that I did not know. Namely, some folks are left in limbo. There's no way for them to become citizens. There's no way for them to really leave.
So, yeah the book stoked my anxiety for all the people who live in fear and apprehension--especially the kids who were brought to the US so this is the only home they've ever known. Vargas also points out that South Asians are the largest growing immigrant population and that most immigrants are here due to how the US has meddled in other countries, often destabilizing them. Vargas also points out that folks on the Left have ridiculous purity tests for undocumented Americans even while the Right can be downright threatening.
As in so many of today's issues, immigration is not simple. It is not black and white--neither literally nor figuratively.
This book very close to 5 stars because both the heartfelt memoir part of this book and the facts about immigration in American were well-written, engaging, and informative. I did not love the parts of this book that were defending himself so much - I understand defending yourself but I thought it was a little drawn out and almost made it seem like that was his reason for writing this at times. I learned so much towards the end of this book, particularly about border towns in Texas and how BCP is mostly made of Mexican immigrants. Really allowed me to connect this book with other content I've been reading lately. Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn a little about immigration in a non-threatening way.
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Dear America is emotional, raw, and honest.
Jose Antonio Vargas lends his voice and visibility to a population that has none. Many of his experiences are relatable to all minorities in the US, and all of them are a stark look at how we treat our fellow humans. Vargas juxtaposes the unconditional love and support he received from friends, mentors, and even strangers against the harsh landscape of ignorance, systemic bias, harmful policy, and malicious rhetoric that he faced. His story reminds us to have empathy, to hear and to learn from others' experiences and perspectives.
Jose Antonio Vargas lends his voice and visibility to a population that has none. Many of his experiences are relatable to all minorities in the US, and all of them are a stark look at how we treat our fellow humans. Vargas juxtaposes the unconditional love and support he received from friends, mentors, and even strangers against the harsh landscape of ignorance, systemic bias, harmful policy, and malicious rhetoric that he faced. His story reminds us to have empathy, to hear and to learn from others' experiences and perspectives.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This book cleared up some misunderstandings I had about undocumented immigration. It felt unsettled at the end, but if Vargas had waited for an outcome to write this, he'd never have written it.
emotional
informative
fast-paced
