Introduction
This summer, the Honors English 10 students are
assigned to read the memoir The Distance Between Us. -- The memoire is about a girl name Reyna
Grande who lived in the poverty of Mexico while her parents left for El Otro
Lado. When she turned nine, she finally
moved to the United States illegaly.
With her Father (Her mother returned back to Mexico with her half
sister) and her two other siblings, Reyna find her way through the troublesome
adventures of being in an opportunity filled country. – Afterwards, we are to collect five
artifacts on the topic of immigration. In this blog I will be collecting
and writing five artifacts consisting of articles, videos, newspapers, etc. and
reflecting upon to share my opinions and views.
Artifact 1
A new fire has been sparked inside of supporters for immigrants. In the
article Mr. Obama, Go Big on Immigration from NyTimes, the Editorial Board has sent us
all a message. The message clearly states the change and actions needed
to take in order for both (the immigrants and the citizens) to benefit from our
country. With President Obama
independent from the debate over immigration reform, he can now finish what he
started with (*Dreamers). Instead of
shining the light towards the efforts on deportation he should focus more of
the following: protecting the Dreamer’s families, putting in funds and security
to stop human trafficking or other illegal criminal immigrant activity, and
having an easier system to get green cards for immigrants who want to stay and
work. All illegal immigrants are always
living with the fear and the pressure to hide. It stresses them to a point of
insanity.
The memoire The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande gives readers a feel of fear
for being an illegal immigrant. “Don’t
tell anyone you’re here illegally” “We
won’t Papi” “If you tell anyone anything about how you got to this country, you
can kiss it goodbye. You understand?” (Reyna
165). “Mago, Carlos, and I missed our freedom” (Reyna 174). Both quotes are examples of how illegal
immigration have restrictions implanted into Reyna’s and her siblings lives. The New York Times’ article favors the demanding
action for immigrants and I personally agree with it. Like the protestors who turned three buses
back (filled with migrants who were being deported) and the inclined pressure
on Congress, it will do the job for a fiery change. A new step is taken towards immigration with
the general public, peaceful protesters, and the President on board.
My take on this article is change can not wait to leap out. The
people are becoming angst against the unfair immigration systems and are ready
to take them down. I wish the government
would stop arguing about their dead-end solutions (can't benefit from) like deportation. This article has helped me grasp the idea of
what President Barack Obama should do for immigrants because spending millions of dollars on border reinforcement is like throwing away money. Instead of using the money for borders,
he should save the millions of dollars for the important funds. One essential subject to consider is a
quicker way for immigrants to get green cards, especially immigrants who have purpose
in the United States.
Many out of country individuals
would die for a chance to live in our country. The immigrants who are here illegally
will snatch the golden opportunity faster than lighting. They would do anything to diligently build
a bright future for themselves. The Distance Between Us memoire shows
the audience how strict Reyna and her sibling’s lives were because of being illegal
immigrants but they did have an opportunity in a life time (in the U.S.). “I brought you to this country to get an
education and to take advantage of all the opportunities this country has to
offer. The minute you walk through the door with anything less than As, I’m
sending you straight back to my mother’s house” (Reyna 166). This quote is an example of how Reyna and her
siblings were forbidden and forced to do their only best because they were here
in this country( and to the factor of staying in the United States illegally).
Why can’t we all just accept immigrants
who want to stay here and are willing to work?
I guess there is more to it than handing out green cards to everyone
since it hasn’t happened then or now. Is
it because we would run short on resources? Would the country overcrowd, become unsanitary
and lead to diseases? More people means more responsibility for the government? There
are thousands of opinions coming from one country making it difficult produce
an answer. I am surprised on how the Editorial board has given support and motives
for the oncoming immigrants. I think it is a great start for change and
it will change other people’s hearts too.
Work
Cited
Reyna
Grande. The Distance Between Us. New York: Washington Square Press,
2012.
*Dreamers: individuals in the U.S. who were brought to the country at an early age without documentation but have assimilated to U.S. culture and have been educated by U.S. school systems.
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