David G. Mirich

This was a heart wrenching and compelling collection of narratives about the struggles of undocumented immigrants to America. While I'm Canadian, rather than American, and so the immigration issues in Canada differ somewhat from our American neighbours, I would think that there would be many similarities if one were to examine undocumented Canadian immigrants as well, although likely fewer immigrants from Mexico and Central America.

I have to admit that I requested this book because I felt I should - like eating kale, never what you want to do but that it would help make me a better person. I was surprised at how engaged I became with the different stories. I had thought it would be a slog to get through, but I read this book in a day. Whenever I had a chance, I would grab my kobo and read another chapter. While the stories are all similar, rather than dragging, it emphasizes how pervasive extreme poverty, violence, and degradation are in the developing world.

I thought the inclusion of tales of abusive females towards their male partners was a good call, especially to bring attention to that sort of violence. I do think having some stories of abusive males towards their female partners that weren't mail-order brides, for balance.

I think anyone interested in social justice, human rights, or immigration policy would appreciate this book. Although it offers minimal analysis or suggestions, it is a good introduction to some of the human stories behind the issue.… (altro)

If you think immigration reform is a partisan issue that can be ignored, this book should change your mind. If it doesn't, you are probably an emotionally-challenged, not quite human being.

Dr. David Mirich is a psychologist routinely called to be an expert witness during immigration hearings. His profession requires he report his findings dispassionately, and in this book, he lets his clients tell their own stories with a little personal commentary afterward. Not all of the stories have happy endings, and some simply fall of his radar and in the commentary he expresses his hopes for a desirable outcome.

The stories include situations where children are involved (or individuals who came here illegally as infants). They also include spousal abuse (both men and women performing the abuse), war refugees, and those seeking political asylum. There are also medical needs cases -- people who undoubtedly not survive if deprived of treatments that can't be had in their own country.

Some of the most stunning tales came from Central America, where individuals from war torn countries like Honduras and El Salvador endured horrific conditions sometimes for years before deciding fleeing their homeland was their only hope of survival. One young man, as a boy, watched his father be executed by insurgents who afterward enlisted the boy as a messenger under extreme duress. Gangs, police, even the military are threats to citizens in some countries, and if such refugees are returned, they await certain death at the hands of their tormentors (most which assume having come from the US they are now wealthy, which is certainly not the case). In at least once case recounted by Mirich this indeed happened.

I wasn't keeping score -- but of the 33 cases covered in this book, it seemed like those stemming from Europe or Asia were more successful than those from Central America although the stakes appeared to be less. It's not surprising, as Hispanics represent the bulk of illegal immigration. Still, it seemed as if there is some judicial prejudice that are extra harsh against Hispanics.

In conclusion, Mirich does reveal an emotional stance when it comes to imprisoning those awaiting immigration hearings. Mothers are separated from their children, these expense to imprison these people far outweigh the likelihood of them being a flight risk. None of those described in this book were criminals or posed any sort of threat - all had a desire to become legal residents, although many did not have the means. I know from experience that the immigration process is especially hard on poor -- which is why there are so many poor illegals.

In the course of reading this book, the possibility of immigration reform -- something Obama rode to victory last election, was all but quashed for the duration of his administration. The Hispanics came out and rocked the vote in hopes it would happen this time, they need to identify those responsible for the failure (not Obama, but he opposing party) and get those obstacles out of office.… (altro)