The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Border

Consider the book’s title, The Line Becomes a River. Why is the Rio Grande’s designation as a part of the US-Mexico border so significant in the text? How do rivers, water, and desert terrain figure into Cantú’s understanding of borders?

In the Prologue Cantú recounts his and his mother’s experiences visiting El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Why did he begin the book with this story? How does this foreshadow the experiences and research to come?

In Part 3 Cantú includes the full text of several letters of recommendation written on José’s behalf to be filed with his immigration proceeding. Why does he include these letters? What effect does this have on you as a reader?