My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope

“Honestly, if you’re reading this book, you’re already miles ahead of most of the people in this country who don’t understand the immigration system and don’t want to learn about it, because it seemingly doesn’t affect them.”

Guerrero regretfully comments on the lack of awareness among many Americans who do not care or wish to learn about how immigration laws affect everyday people, forgetting the interconnectedness of social responsibility. She argues that simply picking up a book on the topic indicates an interest to learn, commending that desire which often leads to activism and change. Throughout her memoir, Guerrero makes clear the Importance of Education on Immigration Issues.

“My parents came here as immigrants to make sure I had opportunities that weren’t available in Colombia.”

Like many others, Diane’s parents came to the US because they believed it would offer their children a better life. Throughout her memoir, Guerrero writes about her parents, their struggles, and their personalities, in an effort to humanize undocumented immigrants and dispel the view of them as an outsider or a threat.

“She prayed her son, my brother, would have a better life. One that was free of the tragedies she and Papi had suffered.”

Diane’s Mami set a legacy of Using Trauma As Fuel for Hope of a Brighter Future by making the courageous decision to move to the US. Guerrero emphasizes that her goal was to provide better opportunities and a safer environment for her son and, later, for her daughter.