The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle

Résumé du document

One of the most pressing issues of the United States as a whole is that of illegal immigration stemming primarily from Mexico and other South American countries. America is a country built on immigration, then why would Mexican immigration be such a volatile issue of the day? This is due to issues which are both subtle and conspicuous. The wave of illegal immigration has had an impact on all states, however some are more greatly affected than others. Due to its proximity to the Mexican border, California is uniquely qualified to be the primary example of illegal immigration in the United States of America. T.C. Boyle's Tortilla Curtain offers a more intricate view of the various impacts of the illegal immigration issue. There is a tapestry presented in The Tortilla Curtain that weaves together the social consequences and issues of assimilation which are central to the current immigration landscape in the U.S.

Extraits

[...] Economics is also a rallying point for Americans against illegal immigration and one the stirs up resentment. Jack, a friend of the protagonist explains, “Illegals in San Diego contributed seventy million dollars in tax revenues and at the same time they used up two hundred and forty million in services-welfare, emergency care, schooling and the like” (ch.7 p. 102). The economic issue stirs up resentment because Americans feel as though their tax dollars are being used by illegal immigrants and not circulating properly throughout the U.S. due to an unaccounted for load placed by illegal immigrants. [...]

[...] This is a phenomenon which is present in many of his peers and neighbors. One could infer that this is something that has taken place on a scale significantly larger than those presented on the cookie cutter streets of Arroyo Blanco. The trend can be traced to both tangible problems caused by illegal immigration as well as simple yet pervasive misunderstanding. Early on we are confronted with Delaney's outrage due to the camp sight created by Candido. There is garbage strewn about and Delaney assumes that they are also defecating in the area and polluting the stream. [...]

[...] The labor exchange is an example of this social consequence. People drive in and out all day looking for people to clean, build, move, clear and complete any menial task which requires manual labor. Kyra for example was adamant about having a fence that could protect her surviving dog from coyotes and Candido worked to build that fence. When convenient she and Delaney were able to accept the work of illegal immigrants. Kyra then worked to close the labor exchange which provided the workers who built not only her fence but the wall that eventually surrounded Arroyo Blanco. [...]

[...] The issue of assimilation is one that is presented in Boyle's Tortilla Curtain through one primary example, that of the language barrier. A constant occurrence in the book is an inability for Candido, America or any other Mexican immigrant portrayed to communicate with Americans. Delaney is confronted with this after the accident which binds him and Candido and again when his car is stolen. Assimilation is impossible when you cannot communicate your thoughts and feelings or understand those around you. [...]

[...] Candido presents to us a human, bare and fragile who wants to better his life. He is struggling for survival, self improvement, family and dignity against all odds. This is something with which many readers can sympathize. This ability to understand the motivation and actions of two opposing characters is what heightens a readers understanding of the central issue of illegal immigration. Once you come to understand both sides of the issue it reveals just how truly complex the issue of illegal immigration is within the United States, particularly California. [...]