Hidden Immigration Gems in Literature
Has this ever happened to you: You’re reading a fiction book, one that has nothing whatsover to do with immigration, when you stumble upon some bit of text that, out of nowhere, does mention immigration?
A few days ago, I was reading Tana French’s The Likeness when lo and behold, I came across this spot of dialogue: “My friend Alan from when I was a kid, he worked on a ranch in Wyoming one summer, on a J1 visa.” Let me tell y’all — this line has nothing whatsoever to do with the plot. But I love that the author thought to include “on a J1 visa” like a pro.
I’ll give you one more example — one that’s a bit longer. In Kate Messer’s book Capture the Flag, three kids are at an airport where mystery and hijinks ensue. But before their adventures really begin, they get to know each other.
Anna sank into a chair and realized she’d forgotten about José, whose face was hidden behind his book again. “Oh my gosh, sorry I didn’t introduce you. My dad’s in a hurry a lot.”
“That’s okay,” José mumbled. He didn’t look up from his book. “He probably wouldn’t have been particularly pleased to meet me anyway.”
“Why?”
José closed his book and looked up at her. “I’m half Mexican.” It came out quiet, like everything he said, but it still sounded like a challenged.
“What do you mean?”
“Immigration reform? Your dad and Snickerbottom are always talking about it on TV.”
“So?” Anna said.
“My grandparents came over as migrant workers.” José tipped his chin up. “My mother was born here, so she’s an American citizens, but some people are still … well, you’d know.”
“Oh no, it’s not like that. My dad worries about jobs, but he likes Mexicans a lot,” Anna said quickly. “I mean, he likes people like you. It’s, like, the bad ones that he doesn’t like. I mean, not that he doesn’t like them, too. He probably likes them fine. He just doesn’t think some of those people should be … here.”
“Oh.” José stared at her and lifted his book. “Sort of like how the Malfoy family only wants pureblood wizards at Hogwarts.” He dropped his head and went back to reading.
Anna thought about that. She’d seen the Harry Potter movies, and her father was nothing like Lucius Malfoy. That guy was a jerk. Her dad worked hard to help people and just wanted to make sure there were jobs for Americans. But the whole idea gave her a rotten feeling, like a little mouse gnawing away in her stomach.
She didn’t want to be a Malfoy.
Have other examples? Leave them in the comments!
-KitJ