Description
Book SynopsisHer story is similar to those of the thousands of illegal immigrants who cross the border into America every day in search of political or economic refuge. In 1988, a woman in her late thirties named Yamileth obtains a passport, leaves her home, and makes a daring, dangerous trip from war-torn Nicaragua through Central America to the United States to join her family. In Los Angeles, Yamileth must find a place to live and a job to support her family, yet keep secret the fact that she entered the country as an illegal alien. She must adapt to new customs and the flood of Latino and Asian immigrants. She must live among the people of California, who in 1994 approved Proposition 187 with the intent to deny undocumented immigrants education, social services, and health care. Yamileth''s daily experiences mirror the hopes and frustrations of women and men who must confront new cultural, economic, and political environments. Author Dianne Walta Hart''s long and close relationship with Yamile
Trade ReviewThis is a rough-edged, authentic look at the marginal lives led by many illegal immigrants who live among us. * Amazon.Com Expert Editors Review *
Hart injects her own sharp perceptions regarding the circumstances of illegals in the United States, and there are unique insights into the riots following the Rodney King verdict as well... Well recommended for academic and public libraries. * Library Journal *
This book tells the tale of conflict and contradiction in the lives of illegal immigrants with authenticity and compassion. Using testimonies gathered over seven years, Hart makes the plight of an undocumented woman clear. -- K. Lynn Stoner, Arizona State University
A beautiful and sensitive oral history of an indomitable Nicaraguan woman who—when life became impossible in her own nation—made the difficult journey to the United States only to face the many hardships of an undocumented immigrant in Los Angeles. Very moving! -- Thomas W. Walker, Ohio University
The story of a single struggling family is detailed warmly and convincingly by author Dianne Walta Hart. * Los Angeles Times *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 People in Yamileth's Life Chapter 4 The Death of the Morning Glory Chapter 5 Adios, Nicaragua Chapter 6 The North Is Different from the Postcards Chapter 7 Bathtubs and Beds in Oregon Chapter 8 The Los Angeles Battleground Chapter 9 Taking the VCR Back to Nicaragua Chapter 10 Love and Baking Chapter 11 Just Being with them Makes Me Happy Chapter 12 Thoughts Along the Way Chapter 13 The Changing Face of Los Angeles Chapter 14 Epilogue
