Efren Divided chapter 15 by Ernesto Cisneros read aloud

Brant Crowther

22 Mar 202308:48

Summary

TLDRIn this emotional chapter, Lalo safely delivers a friend to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where they share a heartfelt goodbye. Efren reflects on his journey and connection to his Mexican heritage, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. He encounters an immigration officer who reminds him of the sacrifice his parents made for him. Efren reunites with his family, sharing stories and learning about his father's past as a lieutenant in Mexico City. They face a tense moment at a checkpoint, but manage to pass through safely, thanks to a trick learned from Lalo. Efren expresses gratitude for his family and the opportunities he has in the U.S.

Takeaways

😢 Efren's emotional farewell with Amma at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, showing the deep bond they've formed.
🤝 Lalo's warm gesture of a hug instead of a handshake, symbolizing the strong friendship between him and Efren.
😔 Efren's contemplation of how he almost didn't meet Lalo due to his appearance, highlighting the importance of second chances.
👨‍👧‍👦 Efren's thoughts about his family, Max and Mia, and his desire to help Lalo, reflecting his sense of responsibility and care.
🚶‍♂️ Efren's journey back to the U.S., marked by his observations of the people and his newfound connection to his Mexican heritage.
🤔 Efren's realization about the importance of language and culture, as he regrets correcting Max and Mia for speaking Spanish.
📚 Efren's hope that his documents will be enough to get him back home, emphasizing the significance of legal paperwork in immigration.
👮‍♂️ The immigration officer's advice to Efren about the sacrifice and gift from his parents, indicating the value of the opportunity he's been given.
🚗 Efren's reunion with his father, Apron, and the news of a successful mission to help a friend cross the border.
🚔 The tense moment when they encounter a potential checkpoint, illustrating the constant risks faced by those crossing borders.
🙏 Efren's prayer and relief when the checkpoint is closed, showing the reliance on faith and luck in such situations.

Q & A

Why was Lalo emotional when saying goodbye to Amma?
-Amma was emotional because she was worried about Lalo's safety and the fact that they would be separated, even if only for a short time. Efren didn't understand her emotions at the time, thinking he would see her the next day.
What was significant about the hug between Lalo and Efren?
-The hug between Lalo and Efren was significant because it showed a deep bond and trust between them, despite their different backgrounds and appearances. It also contrasted with Efren's initial judgment of Lalo based on his looks.
Why did Efren almost not meet Lalo?
-Efren almost didn't meet Lalo because of his initial judgment based on Lalo's appearance. However, he was fortunate to have met Lalo, who turned out to be a crucial ally.
What does the immigration officer's comment about the forms represent?
-The immigration officer's comment about the forms represents the sacrifices made by Efren's parents and the importance of not wasting the opportunity they provided. It also highlights the value of the documents in facilitating Efren's return to the U.S.
How does Efren feel about his Mexican heritage after his experiences?
-After his experiences, Efren feels a newfound connection and pride in his Mexican heritage. He reflects on the courage and resilience of the people he has seen and understands the importance of his cultural roots.
Why did Efren correct Max and Mia for speaking Spanish?
-Efren corrected Max and Mia for speaking Spanish because he believed that learning English was more important for their future. However, he later realizes the significance of maintaining their connection to their Mexican heritage.
What was the reason for Apron and Amma leaving Mexico?
-Apron and Amma left Mexico due to the increasing power and corruption of the drug cartels, which infiltrated even the government and law enforcement. Apron was given an ultimatum by the cartel, which led him to choose safety for his family over his position in Mexico.
Why did Apron become a lieutenant in Mexico City?
-Apron became a lieutenant in Mexico City because of his dedication and ability, making him the youngest one ever at the time. However, the rise of the drug cartels and corruption led to his decision to leave Mexico.
What was Apron's strategy to calm Efren and himself at the checkpoint?
-Apron's strategy was to chew gum, which he claimed made it harder to look nervous. He also advised Efren to look bored and not to crane his neck, in order to appear nonchalant and avoid arousing suspicion.
How does the story end regarding the checkpoint?
-The story ends with relief as the checkpoint is closed, allowing Apron and Efren to pass through without incident. This reinforces the theme of luck and the precarious nature of their situation.

Outlines

00:00

😢 Emotional Farewell and Cross-Border Journey

The narrative begins with a touching farewell scene at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, where a character named Lalo delivers a friend safely to the U.S. border. Efren, who is leaving, doesn't understand why his mother, Amma, is so emotional, as he expects to see her the next day. Despite the emotional goodbyes, Lalo and Efren share a bond, evidenced by their hug rather than a handshake. Efren contemplates how he almost didn't meet Lalo and the potential dangers he faced. He feels a deep connection to his Mexican heritage, observing the struggles and resilience of his people at the border. Efren's journey back to the U.S. is filled with mixed emotions, as he reflects on his identity and the sacrifices made by his parents. He encounters an immigration officer who reminds him of the value of the opportunity he has been given. Efren's return to the U.S. is marked by relief and a renewed sense of belonging, as he reunites with his family and shares his experiences.

05:02

🚔 A Past in Mexico and Present in the U.S.

In this paragraph, Efren and his father, Apron, discuss their past in Mexico and the reasons for their departure. Apron shares his story of being a lieutenant in Mexico City and the increasing influence of drug cartels, which led to widespread corruption. When faced with a choice to cooperate with the cartels or risk his family's safety, Apron chose to protect his family by moving to the U.S. The conversation reveals the hardships and the strength of character that led to their new life in America. As they travel, they encounter a potential checkpoint, which Apron handles with calm and advice, showing his experience and resilience. The paragraph ends with a moment of relief as they pass an unmanned checkpoint, highlighting the constant tension and challenges faced by immigrants.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡San Ysidro Port of Entry

The San Ysidro Port of Entry is a crucial border crossing between the United States and Mexico, located in the city of San Diego, California. It is the busiest land border crossing in the Western Hemisphere and symbolizes the connection and the challenges between the two countries. In the script, it is the location where Lalo delivers his friend safely, marking a significant moment of transition and reunion.

💡Emotion

Emotion refers to the feelings and affective responses that individuals experience. In the context of the video, Amma's emotional reaction to her friend's departure underscores the depth of their relationship and the gravity of the situation they face. It highlights the human element of immigration and the bonds that are tested by such circumstances.

💡Second Chance

A 'second chance' implies an opportunity to start anew or rectify past mistakes. Efren contemplates giving Lalo a second chance, recognizing the value of redemption and the potential for change. This concept is central to the narrative, as it speaks to the theme of hope and the possibility of overcoming adversity.

💡Courage

Courage is the quality of being brave and able to face danger or adversity without fear. The video script describes various instances of courage, such as families reaching through the gaps of the U.S.-built fence and people working day jobs to support their families. These examples illustrate the resilience and determination of individuals facing challenging circumstances.

💡Mexican-American

The term 'Mexican-American' refers to individuals of Mexican descent living in the United States. In the script, Efren experiences a moment of realization about his Mexican heritage and the importance of embracing both parts of his identity. This theme is significant as it explores cultural identity and the complexities of being part of two worlds.

💡Deportation

Deportation is the act of forcing a person to leave a country, typically due to a violation of immigration laws. In the video, Efren's mother was deported, which is a pivotal event that drives the narrative and the emotional journey of the characters. It highlights the harsh realities faced by many immigrants and their families.

💡Immigration Officer

An immigration officer is a government official responsible for enforcing immigration laws and regulations. In the script, the immigration officer plays a significant role by recognizing the sacrifice made by Efren's parents and encouraging Efren not to waste the opportunity they provided. This interaction underscores the human side of immigration enforcement.

💡Coyote

A 'coyote' is a term used to describe someone who smuggles people across borders, often for a fee. In the video, a 'coyote' is mentioned in the context of helping someone cross the border safely. This term is relevant to the video's theme as it reflects the lengths people will go to in order to seek a better life or reunite with loved ones.

💡Checkpoint

A checkpoint is a point where vehicles, individuals, or goods are stopped and inspected, often by law enforcement or border control. In the script, the characters encounter a checkpoint, which creates tension and uncertainty. The checkpoint serves as a symbol of the barriers and challenges faced by those crossing borders.

💡Corruption

Corruption refers to dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often for personal gain. In the video, the father's decision to leave Mexico is influenced by the growing corruption and power of drug cartels within the government. This theme is important as it provides context for the characters' actions and the difficult choices they must make.

💡Gift

A gift is something given voluntarily without payment in return, often to show favor or affection. In the script, the immigration officer refers to the documents Efren presents as a 'gift' from his parents, symbolizing the sacrifices they made for his future. This concept ties into the overarching theme of love, sacrifice, and the value of opportunities.

Highlights

Lalo safely delivers a friend to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, a place of emotional significance.

Amma's emotional reaction to parting, despite the short time until their reunion.

Lalo and Amma's affectionate farewell, highlighting their close bond.

Efren's contemplation on almost not meeting Lalo and the consequences.

Efren's realization of his Mexican heritage and the importance of language.

Efren's empathy for the struggles of others at the border.

Efren's encounter with the immigration officer and the officer's understanding of the situation.

Efren's return to the U.S. and his reflections on the land of Broken Dreams.

Efren's reunion with his father and the emotional embrace.

Efren's father's pride in his son's actions and their shared relief.

Efren's decision to omit certain details to protect his father from worry.

Apan's story about leaving Mexico due to corruption and threats from drug cartels.

Apan's recollection of his and Amma's dangerous escape from Mexico.

Efren's newfound appreciation for his Mexican-American identity.

A tense moment as Efren and Apan encounter a potential checkpoint.

Efren's use of a coping mechanism to appear calm at the checkpoint.

Relief and gratitude as Efren and Apan pass through the closed checkpoint.