Return to Sender

When Tyler initially realizes that Mari, her father, and her uncles did not emigrate legally to the United States, he is uncomfortable and bothered by their presence. The fact that his parents hired them worries him deeply; he is confused when his parents want him to keep the Mexicans a secret and shocked when they mention that the farm might be raided: “All his life his parents have taught him to obey the laws and respect the United States of America” (56). When he pointedly asks if they are doing something wrong, however, his father’s response is, “It’s not wrong in God’s eyes” (56). This introduces to Tyler the concept of a higher justice: “Sometimes, a country has these laws that have nothing to do with what’s right or what’s best for most the people involved” (56).

Initially, Tyler does not accept this explanation; to him, right and wrong are clear concepts—or should be. He wonders if they should notify the police, at which point his father makes it clear that hiring the Mexicans is the only way the farm might be saved. Of course Tyler wants his family to keep the farm, so his questions cease; however, he struggles with this conflict between the law and “what’s best” for their families for two months.