Do-It-Yourself Deportation

One of the many controversial questions in the United States today is pertaining to the children of illegal immigrants. Should they be allowed to stay? Or should we deport them back to their home countries? Everyone has their own opinions, but this is mine: these children help make the United States the melting pot it is. Without them, our country wouldn't be this amazing mixture of cultures, languages, customs, and people. The diversity we have makes us such an amazing place. Honestly, this article made me cry for Antonio Alarcon, the author. His parents were not only not making enough money in the United States, but another son left in Mexico without any guardians to care for him, has made them return to Mexico and leave Antonio alone with his uncles in New York City. One line that really spoke to me was when Antonio says, "Now that they are in Mexico, I wonder who will be at my graduation, my volleyball games, or my birthday? With whom will I share my joy or my sad moments?" (Alarcon 1). His words made me realize that having your parents there for you, no matter what, isn't a guarantee. Those of us who do have them, think about how much you count on your parents for whatever reasons you have. Maybe it's a sports game, a celebration, taking pictures at a dance, or simply confiding in them about a bad day. They do so much, and the pain without them would be overwhelming.

The rhetorical techniques Antonio Alarcon utilizes in this pathos based article are very convincing and appealing to the audience. First, however, the interesting thing about this article was that it was originally submitted in Spanish and was translated into English for publication. This article is heavy on the pathos appeal because Alarcon really draws his audience in emotionally with his story and what deportation has done to his family and how it affects him. Another technique Alarcon uses is his citations of political figures and news involving deportation, like Mitt Romney's suggestion for "self-deportation", and the Dream Act. This technique establishes reliability with the audience, that immigrants do have an understanding and care about the politics in our country. Finally, Alarcon asks his audience a lot of rhetorical questions, including the ones previously cited and this one: "Does Mr. Romney really think that this should be America's solution for immigration reform?" (Alarcon 1). These questions really question the audience's previous opinions and how Antonio's story has affected them. Honestly, Antonio Alarcon's "Do-It-Yourself Deportation" article was one of the best articles I have read, full of truth and a new perspective on immigration.

Source: Alarcon, Antonio . "Do-It-Yourself Deportation." The New York Times 1 Feb. 2012, sec. Opinion: n. pag. The New York Times. Web. 5 Feb. 2012.

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