These are time sensitive. You do not receive credit if you write them after the deadline each week.
First, there's a blog entry (about 250 words) which will have you respond to a hopefully thought-provoking question. Each week, you must do the blog entry with enough time left in the week to be able to enter into dialogue online with your classmates. Write, reply, write more, reply more, and then write and reply more.
Second, there's a reading. There’s no blog entry associated with this. Just read.
Third, there's a written response to the reading. Your reading and writing on the blog must be completed by the SATURDAY (by midnight) of the week in which the reading falls. This entry should be a long paragraph. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESPOND TO OTHER STUDENTS' PART THREE EACH WEEK.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
WEEK SIX: WRITING ABOUT WHAT YOU READ
What does Vargas add to the discussion of immigration?
--or--
Imagine a conversation between Vargas and TC Boyle. What might they say?
Vargas brings a sense of... realness I think. I can't quite put my finger on the word I'm looking for here. Vargas didn't choose this life, it was chosen for him. Yet he is the one who has to live in the day to day fear, feelings of being an outcast, feelings that he is doing something wrong. Granted, he was given that life in hopes that he'd have a better one than the one he should have had, but was it really better? He found something he loves to do, but he can't even do it in the open. He's not only part of one minority group, illegal immigrant, but two (he's also gay). Who's to say he wouldn't have made as much of himself in his original home as he did in the states? There are rich people, even in the poorest of places. Who's to say he couldn't have made his home a better place just by being him? I think the states offer a false sense of hope and security. We have poor and homeless people here, too. I'm not sure how recent this essay was, or what the final outcome is/was, but I wish Vargas the best.
Vargas adds the struggle of being an immigrant who got through college and tried to start his career doing something he loved. I like that he told his whole story. I'm sure that a lot of people here today are going through the same thing. Always hiding and limiting their life because they do not have the proper papers. Like in his case, I find it hard to know that he got through high school and college by lies and always in the fear of getting caught. However he did it, and I can't help to think that nowadays there are a lot of United States citizens that have the full opportunity to get through college and form a career without any fear and they choose to not pursue their dreams. Also like Jeannie said, it makes me question if he really had a better life in the United States always running from great opportunities and hiding from the truth.
Good point you made! Would he have been better off staying in the Phillipines rather than the deciet and hiding his identity here in the United States?
I would also have to agree that Vargas contributes his views on the struggles of being an immigrant. I really love how he lays it all out on the table for us and doesn't shy away from any details. He tells us everything. This is very relatable because I am sure a lot of people are suffering through the same things Vargas did. I would have to agree with both of you, that nowadays becoming a citizen is far easier than before and being here legally really does open so many doors, it does make me wonder why arent they all trying to become citizens. They came here for a better, fuller life, but what kind of life can they really have while always living in fear of deportation?
I believe Vargas could give Boyle insight into the school system of someone that was accepted and who assimilated in to society successfully. Also, Vargas has had experience with government departments: DMV, security background checks, the Social Security system, government officials. Boyle could use that information to write other books. Instead of being set in the hills of the affluent in Southern California it could be set in Washington D.C. Vargas also represents the higher achieving individual who want to succeed. Vargas was able to succeed because he had a support group that found weakness in the system. However, there should be a process that people like Vargas can become legal. I don't know much about the immigration system, why some people are allowed to legally immigrate, and others can not. I'm sure there is a reason the rules are put into place but it is not apparent to me at this time. There should be a test or accomplishment criteria that a person can perform in order to obtain a visa. The coyote and his associates are making money falsifying records/papers to allow individuals to enter this country illegally. The process of legally entering this country is broken and it needs to be fixed. Immigrants, strangers, and foreigners have always had motivation to enter this country. People that migrated from Oklahoma to California in the 'dust bowl' era were not accepted because there was a feeling that they were 'less than' the people who were here first. They were living on less and showed the strains of this type of circumstance. In Boyle's Tortilla Curtain, the immigrant couple was obviously different than the people that lived in the community, they were less educated, but they had a talent or the ability to perform work. Which gave them value, although less than that of a legal citizen. Some immigrants are successful and obtain a level of success. Others take advantage of the situation and are afraid they will be found out. The later motivation can lead to a forced response to do what ever it takes to survive. This situation is dangerous because, as I have mentioned before, we don't know what we are capably of doing in extreme circumstance until we are put under pressure. We associate immigrants, weather legal or illegal as being on the low economic scale. Vargas was in the position of an equal in the educational system and the communication industry. He was not immediately identified as an illegal alien, but he had to carry the guilt of a criminal around until he had had enough and could not accept the consequences of his Lolo. He decided he would accept the consequence of his actions and rely on his support system, his past good works, and see if you can work hard enough to be allowed to be a legal citizen. The stereotypical illegal alien is destitute, lives off social system and provides nothing but trouble. Vargas is a good example the stereotype is a symptom of the broken immigration system. It could be argued it would also be a reason to fix many of our social and economic issues. Our system is broken and I don't know how to fix it.
Even though I didn't read the entire article, I read from his story of how he attained the false documents, school and through the rest of the article. He adds how much someone will do and go through just to achieve their goals, and what one country may have and offer over another(homeland). I cannot imagine going through most of your life with this lie, and it's just not a little white lie, this lie would get someone in huge trouble. But with his determination, he pushed forward, but even with all the achievements, we see how this secret grew and grew to the point it was not worth holding onto, and let it out. To find it somewhat hard to believe how he found being an openingly gay immigrant was easier than telling this lie. Both are core to his life. Amazing story. I know a a few people from the Philippines, and came to the states for a better life. Yet, many had to deal with poverty, racism, and being an open gay male is very hard for the family to accept.
This story is one of someone who has pride and struggles but doesn't let anything get in his way of ambition. It's an incredible story, but I question his grandfather's teachings of cheating to a young boy. Not sure that was very wise to do, however, it didn't affect this boy nor keep him from moving forward until he got what he wanted. Vargas could tell his story in Washington about the immigration system failures and how it affected him growing up as a boy. No boy who wants to be here and works very hard should have to struggle like that and have something on his mind constantly. Worry!
I think his grandpa was just trying to protect him. Vargas tried telling the truth in several situations and saw that it wasn't helping him out. I agree that it wasn't wise but it's the only thing he knew. I hope that he is able to figure out how to stay here legally.
Wow. This was an amazing story. I think he adds to the discussion of immigration by saying that it’s an ugly thing to live in fear of who you are. He lived in shame and fear for so long because he was pursuing what he thought was his dream and to be part of this country. He thinks by living a lie will get to him to where he wants to be but in the end it only buries you deeper in the lie. I think if Vargas and TC Boyle would talk they would probably start on opposite sides but their overall message is probably the same. They could connect on different levels and come to the same conclusions about immigration. They would agree that those who struggle to live the American dream face challenges and hide from the truth to be able to survive, but if you don’t live in the truth eventually reality will catch up to you and by then it may be too late. The dream could be over before it even began.
This memoir from Vargas adds a whole new dimension to Boyle's take on immigration. What many people opposed to illegal immigration fail to understand is that some illegal immigrants are brought here when they are small and grow up knowing America to be their home. A threat of deportation for these immigrants is not only scary in that America, their home, is looking down on them and kicking them out, but it is scary because they are being told to leave the place that they have grown up in and go to a foreign land that they are supposed to have belonged to in the first place but never knew.
I just watched a Youtube interview of Boyle discussing The Tortilla Curtain, and some things that he said especially stood out to me:
“[A novel] is supposed to seduce the reader to think more deeply for him or herself.”
“Art has to invite the viewer, the reader, to come into this world in his own way and make his own opinion. Otherwise, you should write an essay or give a speech if you want to advocate. But you shouldn't make art. Art is totally apart from that.” (http://youtu.be/aVQgAteSPFs)
I think both Vargas and Boyle are similar in that they aren't blatantly advocating for immigration reform but are rather creating a piece of social art for the reader to comment and make an opinion on. They’re not telling the reader what should be and what shouldn't be. They are just telling a story (which may or may not happen to be about their life).
Vargas could teach Bolye about the firsthand experience about someone who actually makes it in the United States even without being here legally. The trials and tribulations that he overcame and yet still has the fear of being discovered and deported to his country are scary. To live in that much fear and yet be able to make something of himself is commendable. I have heard many stories of kids that came here very young and don’t know any other way of life and still have the fear of being deported to a country that they don’t remember. Vargas was very fortunate in his life because he met people that were able to help him along and reach his goals. Vargas was able to realize his dreams and go to college and get into a career that he truly enjoyed, many young adults are not able to do that. What impacted me was the fact that he was gay. The reason this impacted me was because his grandfather had wanted him to grow up and marry so that he could become a legal resident of the United States. Vargas’s grandfather was not able to legally bring his grandson to this country and this was another short coming for him of not being able to help his grandson. Being gay and illegal is another perspective that Vargas could teach Boyle about. The fact that he could be open about being gay and yet still have to live a double life because of his undocumentation is sad. The fact that he has come clean to his bosses shows what kind of courage this man has. He has finally come out of the closet, figuratively speaking and is telling his story so that others that are going through the same thing cannot feel the shame of being illegal in the United States.
I agree that Vargas had a drive that would make people who don't have an immigration "problem" jealous. That drive is something he could share with Boyle. He had several road bumps that he overcame and surpassed.
I think the obvious difference with Vargas and Boyle would be the support system after actually getting into the United States. Boyle created a story where Candido and America were down to the bare minimums. They tried several times to cross the border and finally ended up with only the clothes on their back and a blanket to sleep on in a canyon. Vargas had a family that was setting him up for success. I really feel for Vargas because I have a best friend that I've known since high school that confided in me about her being an illegal immigrant. She was scared to tell me and had the same situation with documents as Vargas. After I joined the military and got stationed in Maryland, she came to live with me. She had started dating one of my coworkers and they were married a couple years later. She started the legal process of becoming a citizen and can now travel legally to other countries. She had the support network of family, and friends like Vargas to help her get where she is now. I can't imagine growing up here and knowing at any point you can be deported to a country that you are not familiar with anymore.
The situation with Vargas brings to the table about immigration is how illegal immigrant children should be viewed. The tortilla curtain focused on adults making a choice they knew was illegal and understood the consequences. If a child was brought into America, not by choice, and grew to became an adult, should that individual be deported. Is it Vargas's fault that he was brought into America undocumented. He shouldn't have to be punished. If that's the case, then sending your children to America is okay. They won't be punished because it wasn't their fault. Vargas's situation brings up another question. Vargas also worked hard because he believed that it showed that he was an American. The question that comes up is whether hard work makes you a citizen or do you just have to be born in the united states. Is it fair to say that you must be an accomplished professional in America be a citizen? If not, you should be deported? Whatever the answers to these questions are there seems to be no answer that can be considered fair. Vargas lived in America, spoke English, celebrated American holidays, wrote professionally in English and paid taxes. Nobody can rightly say that he wasn't an American.
What Vargas adds to the discussion of immigration is a different viewpoint from not only an illegal immigrant, but one who feels that he is an American citizen at heart. Despite having entered the United States with false citizenship, he understands that living here isn't a free ride to the American dream; the fears he faces throughout his life induce a different kind of anxiety than what nationalized American citizens are accustomed to, as he is most afraid of losing the way of life that he has earned for himself. With this realization, Vargas aspires to make something of himself-to be able to give back to American society, so as to dispel the perception that illegal immigrants only come here for the opportunities presented to them. That being said, he loves his country, and spares no expense in keeping his background in the shadows. In line with his accomplishments, he brings to the table a story about an undocumented immigrant who, despite the falsification of his records, will go to a great many lengths in order to prove himself as a productive member of society.
Vargas’s real life experience on immigration gives us a different perspective from the one lived by the fictional characters Candido and America in TC Boyle’s novel. Vargas’s talent and dedication along with the help of those who want to see him succeed, enables him to live a life of a US citizen. Vargas believes that he will be able to earn his citizenship if he works hard and is a contributing member of society; yet, he remains an illegal immigrant in the laws of the United States. The thought of being discovered is his biggest obstacle and he is constantly reminded of his illegal status, as his profession requires him to report on that very manner. Through hard work he earns a successful and respectful career. Yet, Vargas feels disgrace for lying to the people that he respects and admires. He is forced to hide his citizenship in fear of losing everything he has worked so hard to achieve. Furthermore, Vargas recalls the fear of being sent to the country that he has no memory of. Vargas has sacrificed so much professionally and personally in order to remain in the country that he loves and calls his own. Vargas, like Candido and America, has a deep and haunting fear of being discovered and sent back to his country of birth; however, unlike Boyle’s character, Vargas is able to have a better life in America, but the fear of being deported is present and just as great.
Vargas explains detail by detail his story that makes it more interesting to read, he adds the struggle of being an immigrant. A lot of people are suffering through the same things Vargas did. I'm sure that a lot of people here today are going through the same thing. I can’t believe how he finished school by lies I don’t think I would have been able to do so. Vargas has ambition and I believe that is what makes him lie even more.
I believe what Vargas adds to the discussion of immigration is the side of immigration that anti-immigrant individuals do not like to acknowledge. Vargas discusses his long and troubled journey of hiding his real identity in order to make something and someone of himself. He accomplished the American dream even though he has been an undocumented immigrant. From day one, Vargas has been driven, ambitious, and did everything he could as right as he could be to accomplish what he has. A lot of the time individuals are so quick to say illegal immigrants do not “belong” here in America because they are lazy, do nothing to better themselves, and so on. But what Vargas adds is, “what about those illegal immigrants who do work hard, who are ambitious, and who do want to accomplish American dreams?” We can all admit, that yes, there are the individuals who come and do not do anything to better their lives even though they are in the country where you can do anything you set your mind to. That is where those individuals ruin it for those who want to do something but now they are given the short end of the stick. It is such a teeter-totter like topic, because you do not know where to stand because you cannot put everyone in the same category, yet sometimes it is so hard not to, given with what one sees.
Vargas tells his story with incredible detail. He gave details of his life that he was embarrassed of. He grew up in America with his grandparents since he was a little boy. He learned about the American culture, and considered himself a part of it. Vargas lived with the fear of being caught and being deported, he sometimes come across feeling that there is no point in pursuing a career if he is an immigrant. I'm sure the majority of immigrants feel the same way. Why work so hard, if at the end of the day it does not pay off? Vargas kept going. He tried the best he could to make a name for himself. He, like any other American citizen, deserves to be a part of our country. Vargas also makes his reader think twice,especially to someone born here. An illegal immigrant has to work twice as hard to be accepted here. He gives other immigrants hope that if it can happen for him, it could happen for others.
Vargas tells his story with heart. I found it to be sad with what he had to deal with if people were to find out his secret. I find it crazy that every time Vargas moved he had to have hopes that he would not get caught, especially with the E-Verify. I believe his story is strong and gives incredible details about his journey and the obstacles he feared that he could have encountered. What I find very interesting with his story is that Vargas does not keep a job for long. Yes, in the long run he gains experience but is it really worth having to move every year or so? Vargas stated, "-but also five more years of fear, of lying to people I respect and institutions that trusted me, of running away from who I am." This is significant because with having to deal with all these lies and running away from who he truly is, he finally came forward and dealt with the humiliation he was hiding from all along by being truthful to those he respected as well as himself. I truly commend him for doing what he did and coming forth about his secret. In the end, I believe that he gained the most experience with finding himself by no longer living with this facade he created.
Vargas really opened my eyes to immigration. I have become more open to it in these past few years, but after reading this it really shows how hard it is to live this life. Up to this point, Vargas had done everything correct in the situation he was placed in. He was unaware of the way he came over and it was not his fault because he was so young. He we brought into the country with no intention of coming illegally because he was too young to understand. I really believe if an immigrant can make their way through high school and college they should be allowed to become a citizen. Although, they did this illegally, it is our fault we were not aware and did not do something about it. But since they are good people and citizens they should be able to stay after establishing themselves. Vargas is a brave individual and an amazing one, for getting this far in the United States.
Vargas has a really interesting on the topic of immigration. Vargas has spent most of his life America but it is not really his home. He is a great example of how immigrants can be beneficial to a country even though he is living here illegally. He is currently living the American dream but he can not really enjoy it because he is afraid that someone might discover his secret. I believe that Vargas is a contributing member of society who has earned the right to become a citizen of this country. The article is very well written and the amount of detail Vargas puts in his story makes it feel very authentic. Vargas is not the typical person we imagine when we hear the word immigrant. I think it is very inspiring to hear everything he had to go through to do what he loved. Vargas chased his goal even though it put him at risk of being found out and deported. Vargas did the best he could with a bad situation. The choice to move the United States illegally was made for him when he was a child and was forced to deal with the consequences as an adult. Vargas feels guilty about having to lie about who he really is. I like that although Vargas does not have to pay taxes he still chooses too. Another interesting thing was that Vargas was able to find a few good people that helped keep his secret and actively tried to help him become a citizen. This article was a good read and I hope everything works out for Vargas
Vargas brings a sense of... realness I think. I can't quite put my finger on the word I'm looking for here. Vargas didn't choose this life, it was chosen for him. Yet he is the one who has to live in the day to day fear, feelings of being an outcast, feelings that he is doing something wrong. Granted, he was given that life in hopes that he'd have a better one than the one he should have had, but was it really better? He found something he loves to do, but he can't even do it in the open. He's not only part of one minority group, illegal immigrant, but two (he's also gay). Who's to say he wouldn't have made as much of himself in his original home as he did in the states? There are rich people, even in the poorest of places. Who's to say he couldn't have made his home a better place just by being him? I think the states offer a false sense of hope and security. We have poor and homeless people here, too. I'm not sure how recent this essay was, or what the final outcome is/was, but I wish Vargas the best.
ReplyDeleteauthenticity..?
DeleteVargas adds the struggle of being an immigrant who got through college and tried to start his career doing something he loved. I like that he told his whole story. I'm sure that a lot of people here today are going through the same thing. Always hiding and limiting their life because they do not have the proper papers. Like in his case, I find it hard to know that he got through high school and college by lies and always in the fear of getting caught. However he did it, and I can't help to think that nowadays there are a lot of United States citizens that have the full opportunity to get through college and form a career without any fear and they choose to not pursue their dreams. Also like Jeannie said, it makes me question if he really had a better life in the United States always running from great opportunities and hiding from the truth.
ReplyDeleteGood point you made! Would he have been better off staying in the Phillipines rather than the deciet and hiding his identity here in the United States?
DeleteI would also have to agree that Vargas contributes his views on the struggles of being an immigrant. I really love how he lays it all out on the table for us and doesn't shy away from any details. He tells us everything. This is very relatable because I am sure a lot of people are suffering through the same things Vargas did. I would have to agree with both of you, that nowadays becoming a citizen is far easier than before and being here legally really does open so many doors, it does make me wonder why arent they all trying to become citizens. They came here for a better, fuller life, but what kind of life can they really have while always living in fear of deportation?
ReplyDeleteI agree, that living here is better than anywhere else, so why don't more try harder.
DeleteI believe Vargas could give Boyle insight into the school system of someone that was accepted and who assimilated in to society successfully. Also, Vargas has had experience with government departments: DMV, security background checks, the Social Security system, government officials. Boyle could use that information to write other books. Instead of being set in the hills of the affluent in Southern California it could be set in Washington D.C. Vargas also represents the higher achieving individual who want to succeed. Vargas was able to succeed because he had a support group that found weakness in the system. However, there should be a process that people like Vargas can become legal. I don't know much about the immigration system, why some people are allowed to legally immigrate, and others can not. I'm sure there is a reason the rules are put into place but it is not apparent to me at this time. There should be a test or accomplishment criteria that a person can perform in order to obtain a visa. The coyote and his associates are making money falsifying records/papers to allow individuals to enter this country illegally. The process of legally entering this country is broken and it needs to be fixed. Immigrants, strangers, and foreigners have always had motivation to enter this country. People that migrated from Oklahoma to California in the 'dust bowl' era were not accepted because there was a feeling that they were 'less than' the people who were here first. They were living on less and showed the strains of this type of circumstance. In Boyle's Tortilla Curtain, the immigrant couple was obviously different than the people that lived in the community, they were less educated, but they had a talent or the ability to perform work. Which gave them value, although less than that of a legal citizen. Some immigrants are successful and obtain a level of success. Others take advantage of the situation and are afraid they will be found out. The later motivation can lead to a forced response to do what ever it takes to survive. This situation is dangerous because, as I have mentioned before, we don't know what we are capably of doing in extreme circumstance until we are put under pressure. We associate immigrants, weather legal or illegal as being on the low economic scale. Vargas was in the position of an equal in the educational system and the communication industry. He was not immediately identified as an illegal alien, but he had to carry the guilt of a criminal around until he had had enough and could not accept the consequences of his Lolo. He decided he would accept the consequence of his actions and rely on his support system, his past good works, and see if you can work hard enough to be allowed to be a legal citizen.
ReplyDeleteThe stereotypical illegal alien is destitute, lives off social system and provides nothing but trouble. Vargas is a good example the stereotype is a symptom of the broken immigration system. It could be argued it would also be a reason to fix many of our social and economic issues. Our system is broken and I don't know how to fix it.
Even though I didn't read the entire article, I read from his story of how he attained the false documents, school and through the rest of the article. He adds how much someone will do and go through just to achieve their goals, and what one country may have and offer over another(homeland). I cannot imagine going through most of your life with this lie, and it's just not a little white lie, this lie would get someone in huge trouble. But with his determination, he pushed forward, but even with all the achievements, we see how this secret grew and grew to the point it was not worth holding onto, and let it out. To find it somewhat hard to believe how he found being an openingly gay immigrant was easier than telling this lie. Both are core to his life. Amazing story. I know a a few people from the Philippines, and came to the states for a better life. Yet, many had to deal with poverty, racism, and being an open gay male is very hard for the family to accept.
ReplyDeleteThis story is one of someone who has pride and struggles but doesn't let anything get in his way of ambition. It's an incredible story, but I question his grandfather's teachings of cheating to a young boy. Not sure that was very wise to do, however, it didn't affect this boy nor keep him from moving forward until he got what he wanted. Vargas could tell his story in Washington about the immigration system failures and how it affected him growing up as a boy. No boy who wants to be here and works very hard should have to struggle like that and have something on his mind constantly. Worry!
ReplyDeleteI think his grandpa was just trying to protect him. Vargas tried telling the truth in several situations and saw that it wasn't helping him out. I agree that it wasn't wise but it's the only thing he knew. I hope that he is able to figure out how to stay here legally.
DeleteWow. This was an amazing story. I think he adds to the discussion of immigration by saying that it’s an ugly thing to live in fear of who you are. He lived in shame and fear for so long because he was pursuing what he thought was his dream and to be part of this country. He thinks by living a lie will get to him to where he wants to be but in the end it only buries you deeper in the lie. I think if Vargas and TC Boyle would talk they would probably start on opposite sides but their overall message is probably the same. They could connect on different levels and come to the same conclusions about immigration. They would agree that those who struggle to live the American dream face challenges and hide from the truth to be able to survive, but if you don’t live in the truth eventually reality will catch up to you and by then it may be too late. The dream could be over before it even began.
ReplyDeleteThis memoir from Vargas adds a whole new dimension to Boyle's take on immigration. What many people opposed to illegal immigration fail to understand is that some illegal immigrants are brought here when they are small and grow up knowing America to be their home. A threat of deportation for these immigrants is not only scary in that America, their home, is looking down on them and kicking them out, but it is scary because they are being told to leave the place that they have grown up in and go to a foreign land that they are supposed to have belonged to in the first place but never knew.
ReplyDeleteI just watched a Youtube interview of Boyle discussing The Tortilla Curtain, and some things that he said especially stood out to me:
“[A novel] is supposed to seduce the reader to think more deeply for him or herself.”
“Art has to invite the viewer, the reader, to come into this world in his own way and make his own opinion. Otherwise, you should write an essay or give a speech if you want to advocate. But you shouldn't make art. Art is totally apart from that.” (http://youtu.be/aVQgAteSPFs)
I think both Vargas and Boyle are similar in that they aren't blatantly advocating for immigration reform but are rather creating a piece of social art for the reader to comment and make an opinion on. They’re not telling the reader what should be and what shouldn't be. They are just telling a story (which may or may not happen to be about their life).
Vargas could teach Bolye about the firsthand experience about someone who actually makes it in the United States even without being here legally. The trials and tribulations that he overcame and yet still has the fear of being discovered and deported to his country are scary. To live in that much fear and yet be able to make something of himself is commendable. I have heard many stories of kids that came here very young and don’t know any other way of life and still have the fear of being deported to a country that they don’t remember. Vargas was very fortunate in his life because he met people that were able to help him along and reach his goals. Vargas was able to realize his dreams and go to college and get into a career that he truly enjoyed, many young adults are not able to do that. What impacted me was the fact that he was gay. The reason this impacted me was because his grandfather had wanted him to grow up and marry so that he could become a legal resident of the United States. Vargas’s grandfather was not able to legally bring his grandson to this country and this was another short coming for him of not being able to help his grandson. Being gay and illegal is another perspective that Vargas could teach Boyle about. The fact that he could be open about being gay and yet still have to live a double life because of his undocumentation is sad. The fact that he has come clean to his bosses shows what kind of courage this man has. He has finally come out of the closet, figuratively speaking and is telling his story so that others that are going through the same thing cannot feel the shame of being illegal in the United States.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Vargas had a drive that would make people who don't have an immigration "problem" jealous. That drive is something he could share with Boyle. He had several road bumps that he overcame and surpassed.
DeleteI think the obvious difference with Vargas and Boyle would be the support system after actually getting into the United States. Boyle created a story where Candido and America were down to the bare minimums. They tried several times to cross the border and finally ended up with only the clothes on their back and a blanket to sleep on in a canyon. Vargas had a family that was setting him up for success. I really feel for Vargas because I have a best friend that I've known since high school that confided in me about her being an illegal immigrant. She was scared to tell me and had the same situation with documents as Vargas. After I joined the military and got stationed in Maryland, she came to live with me. She had started dating one of my coworkers and they were married a couple years later. She started the legal process of becoming a citizen and can now travel legally to other countries. She had the support network of family, and friends like Vargas to help her get where she is now. I can't imagine growing up here and knowing at any point you can be deported to a country that you are not familiar with anymore.
ReplyDeleteThe situation with Vargas brings to the table about immigration is how illegal immigrant children should be viewed. The tortilla curtain focused on adults making a choice they knew was illegal and understood the consequences. If a child was brought into America, not by choice, and grew to became an adult, should that individual be deported. Is it Vargas's fault that he was brought into America undocumented. He shouldn't have to be punished. If that's the case, then sending your children to America is okay. They won't be punished because it wasn't their fault. Vargas's situation brings up another question. Vargas also worked hard because he believed that it showed that he was an American. The question that comes up is whether hard work makes you a citizen or do you just have to be born in the united states. Is it fair to say that you must be an accomplished professional in America be a citizen? If not, you should be deported? Whatever the answers to these questions are there seems to be no answer that can be considered fair. Vargas lived in America, spoke English, celebrated American holidays, wrote professionally in English and paid taxes. Nobody can rightly say that he wasn't an American.
ReplyDeleteWhat Vargas adds to the discussion of immigration is a different viewpoint from not only an illegal immigrant, but one who feels that he is an American citizen at heart. Despite having entered the United States with false citizenship, he understands that living here isn't a free ride to the American dream; the fears he faces throughout his life induce a different kind of anxiety than what nationalized American citizens are accustomed to, as he is most afraid of losing the way of life that he has earned for himself. With this realization, Vargas aspires to make something of himself-to be able to give back to American society, so as to dispel the perception that illegal immigrants only come here for the opportunities presented to them. That being said, he loves his country, and spares no expense in keeping his background in the shadows. In line with his accomplishments, he brings to the table a story about an undocumented immigrant who, despite the falsification of his records, will go to a great many lengths in order to prove himself as a productive member of society.
ReplyDeleteVargas’s real life experience on immigration gives us a different perspective from the one lived by the fictional characters Candido and America in TC Boyle’s novel. Vargas’s talent and dedication along with the help of those who want to see him succeed, enables him to live a life of a US citizen. Vargas believes that he will be able to earn his citizenship if he works hard and is a contributing member of society; yet, he remains an illegal immigrant in the laws of the United States. The thought of being discovered is his biggest obstacle and he is constantly reminded of his illegal status, as his profession requires him to report on that very manner. Through hard work he earns a successful and respectful career. Yet, Vargas feels disgrace for lying to the people that he respects and admires. He is forced to hide his citizenship in fear of losing everything he has worked so hard to achieve. Furthermore, Vargas recalls the fear of being sent to the country that he has no memory of. Vargas has sacrificed so much professionally and personally in order to remain in the country that he loves and calls his own. Vargas, like Candido and America, has a deep and haunting fear of being discovered and sent back to his country of birth; however, unlike Boyle’s character, Vargas is able to have a better life in America, but the fear of being deported is present and just as great.
ReplyDeleteVargas explains detail by detail his story that makes it more interesting to read, he adds the struggle of being an immigrant. A lot of people are suffering through the same things Vargas did. I'm sure that a lot of people here today are going through the same thing. I can’t believe how he finished school by lies I don’t think I would have been able to do so. Vargas has ambition and I believe that is what makes him lie even more.
ReplyDeleteI believe what Vargas adds to the discussion of immigration is the side of immigration that anti-immigrant individuals do not like to acknowledge. Vargas discusses his long and troubled journey of hiding his real identity in order to make something and someone of himself. He accomplished the American dream even though he has been an undocumented immigrant. From day one, Vargas has been driven, ambitious, and did everything he could as right as he could be to accomplish what he has. A lot of the time individuals are so quick to say illegal immigrants do not “belong” here in America because they are lazy, do nothing to better themselves, and so on. But what Vargas adds is, “what about those illegal immigrants who do work hard, who are ambitious, and who do want to accomplish American dreams?”
ReplyDeleteWe can all admit, that yes, there are the individuals who come and do not do anything to better their lives even though they are in the country where you can do anything you set your mind to. That is where those individuals ruin it for those who want to do something but now they are given the short end of the stick. It is such a teeter-totter like topic, because you do not know where to stand because you cannot put everyone in the same category, yet sometimes it is so hard not to, given with what one sees.
Vargas tells his story with incredible detail. He gave details of his life that he was embarrassed of. He grew up in America with his grandparents since he was a little boy. He learned about the American culture, and considered himself a part of it. Vargas lived with the fear of being caught and being deported, he sometimes come across feeling that there is no point in pursuing a career if he is an immigrant. I'm sure the majority of immigrants feel the same way. Why work so hard, if at the end of the day it does not pay off? Vargas kept going. He tried the best he could to make a name for himself. He, like any other American citizen, deserves to be a part of our country. Vargas also makes his reader think twice,especially to someone born here. An illegal immigrant has to work twice as hard to be accepted here. He gives other immigrants hope that if it can happen for him, it could happen for others.
ReplyDeleteVargas tells his story with heart. I found it to be sad with what he had to deal with if people were to find out his secret. I find it crazy that every time Vargas moved he had to have hopes that he would not get caught, especially with the E-Verify. I believe his story is strong and gives incredible details about his journey and the obstacles he feared that he could have encountered. What I find very interesting with his story is that Vargas does not keep a job for long. Yes, in the long run he gains experience but is it really worth having to move every year or so? Vargas stated, "-but also five more years of fear, of lying to people I respect and institutions that trusted me, of running away from who I am." This is significant because with having to deal with all these lies and running away from who he truly is, he finally came forward and dealt with the humiliation he was hiding from all along by being truthful to those he respected as well as himself. I truly commend him for doing what he did and coming forth about his secret. In the end, I believe that he gained the most experience with finding himself by no longer living with this facade he created.
ReplyDeleteVargas really opened my eyes to immigration. I have become more open to it in these past few years, but after reading this it really shows how hard it is to live this life. Up to this point, Vargas had done everything correct in the situation he was placed in. He was unaware of the way he came over and it was not his fault because he was so young. He we brought into the country with no intention of coming illegally because he was too young to understand. I really believe if an immigrant can make their way through high school and college they should be allowed to become a citizen. Although, they did this illegally, it is our fault we were not aware and did not do something about it. But since they are good people and citizens they should be able to stay after establishing themselves. Vargas is a brave individual and an amazing one, for getting this far in the United States.
ReplyDeleteVargas has a really interesting on the topic of immigration. Vargas has spent most of his life America but it is not really his home. He is a great example of how immigrants can be beneficial to a country even though he is living here illegally. He is currently living the American dream but he can not really enjoy it because he is afraid that someone might discover his secret. I believe that Vargas is a contributing member of society who has earned the right to become a citizen of this country. The article is very well written and the amount of detail Vargas puts in his story makes it feel very authentic. Vargas is not the typical person we imagine when we hear the word immigrant. I think it is very inspiring to hear everything he had to go through to do what he loved. Vargas chased his goal even though it put him at risk of being found out and deported. Vargas did the best he could with a bad situation. The choice to move the United States illegally was made for him when he was a child and was forced to deal with the consequences as an adult. Vargas feels guilty about having to lie about who he really is. I like that although Vargas does not have to pay taxes he still chooses too. Another interesting thing was that Vargas was able to find a few good people that helped keep his secret and actively tried to help him become a citizen. This article was a good read and I hope everything works out for Vargas
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