Pentapod reviewed Undocumented by Dan-el Padilla Peralta
Review of 'Undocumented' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Interesting biography written by an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who was brought to the US at the age of 4 and grew up in New York without even understanding what being an undocumented immigrant meant. His family's story isn't initially going to soften the heart of anyone vehemently opposed to illegal immigration, since his mother did deliberately stay here illegally and the welfare system supported them as Dan-el grew up. However, a little rational consideration of the situation should make it obvious that everyone from Dan-el to the US taxpayers would have been better off if the family had been able to legally immigrate. Instead of surviving (barely) on welfare, his well-educated mother would have been able to get a job and pay taxes. People talk about "the path to immigration" and "waiting in line" but there IS no line, and no path. The system is arbitrary, badly managed …
Interesting biography written by an immigrant from the Dominican Republic who was brought to the US at the age of 4 and grew up in New York without even understanding what being an undocumented immigrant meant. His family's story isn't initially going to soften the heart of anyone vehemently opposed to illegal immigration, since his mother did deliberately stay here illegally and the welfare system supported them as Dan-el grew up. However, a little rational consideration of the situation should make it obvious that everyone from Dan-el to the US taxpayers would have been better off if the family had been able to legally immigrate. Instead of surviving (barely) on welfare, his well-educated mother would have been able to get a job and pay taxes. People talk about "the path to immigration" and "waiting in line" but there IS no line, and no path. The system is arbitrary, badly managed and incentivized, and so convoluted it's practically indecipherable even to English speakers with law degrees, let alone foreigners whose English may not be perfect. Certainly Dan-el was in a situation completely not of his choosing and given no way to correct it -- not allowed to stay, but also not knowing any life other than the US, he only escapes through outstanding academic achievement which is certainly not something the average person will be able to achieve, immigrant or not. Overall an interesting story of an unusual life that highlights why laws like the DREAM act, and immigration overhaul in general, are very much needed.