The Undocumented Americans

Written by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio in 2020, The Undocumented Americans offers a genre-defying, personal look at the lives of undocumented Latinx immigrants in the U.S. Describing her approach as “creative nonfiction”, Villavicencio blends reportage with personal reflection, moving beyond the oversimplified portrayals of immigrants often seen in American media to tell unvarnished stories of what it’s truly like to live as an undocumented American. Her portrayals are honest, introducing unique individuals with diverse motivations and experiences. The Undocumented Americans was a finalist for the 2020 National Book Award and was named one of The New York Times' 100 Notable Books of 2020.

Summary

The Undocumented Americans follows Karla Cornejo Villavicencio’s journey across the U.S. as she explores the lives of undocumented immigrants through a blend of personal storytelling and investigative journalism, which she describes as “creative nonfiction.” Rejecting the detached stance of traditional reporting, Villavicencio places herself within the story, often building close relationships with the people she interviews.

In each chapter, she explores a distinct location, beginning with Staten Island, where undocumented immigrants work in perilous, underpaid jobs cleaning up post-Hurricane Sandy damage. The following chapter takes place in Manhattan at Ground Zero, where she investigates the lives of undocumented immigrants who faced severe health repercussions after working in the toxic debris following the September 11 attacks.

The book then shifts to Miami, a hub for undocumented day laborers and domestic workers, where Villavicencio reveals the physical and psychological toll of such labor on immigrants who lack legal protections. In Flint, Michigan, she introduces undocumented residents impacted by the water crisis, many of whom are excluded from the limited government aid due to their status. And in Cleveland, she presents immigrants battling mental health issues, often without access to adequate care, exacerbating their isolation and hardship.

The final chapters address deportation. In New Haven, Connecticut, Villavicencio meets families fractured by deportation, illustrating the emotional and psychological devastation caused by the threat of family separation.