Essay Questions

How does Vargas use his own experiences to inform the text?

This text is essentially based on Vargas' own experiences as an undocumented immigrant living in the US. The book follows his childhood, his family, his successful career in journalism up until the modern-day. Overall, Vargas uses his experiences to comment on the issue of immigration and to encourage readers to have sympathy and understanding.

How does Vargas describe his experiences as an illegal immigrant?

In this text, Vargas opens up about his experiences and identity. He tells us about the fear he felt in being discovered, and how he had to keep a part of himself hidden at all times. Of course, this is an emotionally difficult thing to do and leads to a feeling of displacement and loneliness.

What other secrets did Vargas have in his early life?

Vargas is known for the secret he carried during his early life, which is the fact that he was an illegal immigrant. On top of this, Vargas also discloses that he had another secret during his early teenage years, that he is gay. However, Vargas was open about this secret way before his immigrant status.