Questions and Answers
What methods do smugglers use to get people across the border, and why does Enrique fear it?
El Tirindaro uses a black tube for them all to hang onto across the Rio Grande. Enrique fears it because he does not know how to swim.
On what day is Enrique finally united with his mother?
May 28
In what state does Enrique ultimately reunite with his mother?
North Carolina
What significant event happens to Enrique on November 2, 2000?
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Who greets Enrique in Orlando to bring him to his mother?
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How long did it take for Enrique's journey to get to his mother?
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How does the author describe the first meeting between Enrique and his mother?
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Contrast the sides of the Rio Grande. What is Enrique's life like on his side of the river?
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What problems develop almost immediately when Enrique is reunited with his mother?
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What do other migrants in the camp call Enrique?
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How much does El Tirindaro charge to smuggle someone across the border?
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What makes El Tirindaro's strategy risky?
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What question does Lourdes ask Enrique to verify his identity?
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Explain the irony of the last scene of chapter 6.
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Why is Enrique afraid as he crosses the river to the United States?
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What concerns Enrique about the smuggler driving the SUV?
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Who does Enrique see first when he walks into the trailer where Lourdes lives?
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What does Maria Isabel do that is disturbingly similar to what Lourdes did so many years ago?
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How much does Enrique's mother pay for his safe return?
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What news does Maria Isabel give Enrique at the end of chapter 6?
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Who is Katerin Jasmine?
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Where does Enrique stay until the smugglers get the money?
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How many other migrants are crossing the border with Enrique and El Tirindaro in chapter 6?
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What river is Enrique crossing in order to enter America in chapter 6?
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What do the migrants do with their clothing as they cross the river in chapter 6?
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How do Enrique and the other migrants cross the river in chapter 6?
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What does Maria Isabel name the daughter she has in chapter 6?
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Why does Enrique express resentment regarding his sister's circumstances growing up in comparison with his own?
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List two things that happen to immigrant children when they are taken to juvenile prison.
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Study Notes
Smuggling and Crossing Borders
- Smugglers employ dangerous methods, such as using a black tube to cross the Rio Grande, which poses a risk for those who cannot swim, like Enrique.
- El Tirindaro charges $1,200 for smuggling individuals across the border, highlighting the high stakes involved in migration.
- Crossing the Rio Grande represents a significant physical and emotional challenge for migrants, compounded by risks of being caught by patrols.
Enrique's Journey to Reunification
- Enrique reunites with his mother Lourdes on May 28, after a 122-day journey filled with hardships.
- The reunion takes place in North Carolina, marking a pivotal moment in Enrique's life.
- Initial interactions between Enrique and Lourdes are fraught with tension; they struggle to connect due to their long separation.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
- The complexities of family ties are illustrated through Enrique's reunion with his mother, which is emotionally charged yet complicated by unfamiliarity and conflict.
- Enrique's wife gives birth to a daughter, Katerin Jasmin, on November 2, 2000, further complicating his emotional landscape.
- The leaving of a child, as seen with Maria Isabel, mirrors Lourdes's own past decision to leave Enrique, reflecting the cyclical nature of their circumstances.
Migrant Experience and Challenges
- The harsh realities of migration are evident, with Enrique experiencing a dangerous journey alongside other migrants, with only two others crossing with him.
- Migrants utilize plastic bags for their clothing while crossing the river, showcasing the pragmatic adaptations they must make.
- Children of immigrants face challenges, such as being questioned to determine citizenship when taken to juvenile facilities.
Personal Struggles and Societal Issues
- Enrique expresses resentment towards his sister's upbringing, particularly regarding educational opportunities she received compared to his own struggles.
- The irony of Enrique's experiences suggests a deep-seated trauma in families affected by migration, where patterns of separation and sacrifice often repeat across generations.
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Description
This quiz explores the themes of smuggling and family reunification illustrated in Enrique's challenging journey to meet his mother. It delves into the risks faced by migrants and the complicated emotions wrapped around family dynamics after long separations. Test your understanding of these vital issues surrounding migration.
