Immigration
The central theme of the book is that of immigration. The author's goal in penning this work was to inspire the reader to look at immigration differently and perhaps to change a mind or an opinion on the subject. As a Filipino national, he is viewed by American authorities as a "foreigner", and an illegal immigrant. As a Filipino, he is viewed as an American. His life is that of an American, and he feels that he is an American in all but official status. The book's central theme tries to explain how nationality is far more that the name of a country on a piece of paper, and that the issue of immigration needs to be looked at differently.
Nationality and Self
The author is an American. He grew up in America. He was educated in America. He hit the same social markers as his peers - high school, learning to drive, college, a first job. He is educated, qualified, gainfully employed and respected in his accomplishments. He is an American, and identifies as such.
The fact that he is not recognized as an American citizen is detrimental to his sense of self in that he is essentially living a double life. To others he is an American, but to authorities he is not. He is effectively being told that he is not what he knows himself to be, which is extremely damaging to a person's sense of self.
Implications of Statelessness
The author feels little connection with the country of his birth, and does not feel that he belongs there. However, he is also not entitled to any of the things that other Americans are entitled to - a basic driver's permit, for example, or healthcare. He is considered stateless, which means that he is almost an invisible man when it comes to counting within the country. There are many implications of statelessness that are not considered when the subject of immigration is raised and it is these implications that the author is attempting to bring to the reader's attention.
