Essential Work Done by "Illegal Aliens"
Many of the migrant workers who are labeled as "illegal aliens" are actually doing work that is essential to the community, such as picking crops and working on farms. This is ironic because they are often treated as criminals and outsiders, even though they are contributing to the local economy and helping to feed the people who live there. Additionally, many of the people who are most vocal about cracking down on illegal immigration are also the ones who benefit the most from the labor of these workers.
Patriotism and Lawbreaking
Tyler's father is a patriot who believes in the rule of law, but he is also willing to break the law in order to help the migrant workers who work on his farm. This is ironic because he is breaking the very laws that he claims to uphold.
The Paquette Family's Dependence on Migrant Labor
The Paquette family is struggling to keep their farm, but they are able to do so in part because of the labor of the migrant workers who work for them. These workers are living in poverty and are often undocumented, but they are willing to work hard in order to provide for their families. This is ironic because the Paquette family is benefiting from the labor of people who are facing many of the same challenges that they are.
Irony of the Idealized Farm
It is suggested that the farm may be "too special for words" and that this is why Tyler's family has had a hard time naming it. This is ironic because the farm is actually struggling to survive, with Tyler's grandfather and father both having suffered serious health problems. The farm is also facing financial difficulties, with Tyler's family unsure of how they will be able to continue farming. In this context, the idea that the farm is "too special" seems like a cruel joke, as it highlights the gap between the farm's idealized image and its harsh reality. This is further emphasized by the fact that Tyler's family is unable to name the farm, despite the fact that they have lived there for generations. This suggests a lack of connection to the land and a sense of dislocation, as if the family is struggling to find a sense of identity and purpose. Overall, the irony related to the farm with no name highlights the challenges faced by rural communities and the gap between romanticized notions of farming and the harsh realities of agricultural life.
Return to Sender
The title of the book itself is ironic because it refers to the phrase Return to Sender that is stamped on letters that cannot be delivered to the intended recipient. However, in the book, the phrase is used to describe the deportation of migrant workers who have been living and working in the United States for years. The phrase implies that these individuals are somehow foreign or alien to the United States, even though many of them have been living and working in the country for years. This irony highlights the contradictions and complexities of American attitudes towards immigration and the treatment of migrant workers.
