Ernesto Cisneros Event Reflections

Our global scholars cohort hosted author Ernesto Cisneros, who wrote "Efrén Divided," a compassionate exploration of undocumented immigrant experiences. The novel examines family separation's emotional toll and the uncertainty shadowing countless lives.

Though I lack similar personal struggles, I resonated with Cisneros's narrative. Both my parents immigrated; my mother fled Iran during the 1979 revolution, facing significant obstacles. The 2017 Muslim Ban provided glimpses into my students' anxieties, as relatives abroad risked prolonged separation.

Immigration presents complex outcomes—creating opportunities for some while destroying others' livelihoods. Cisneros's book harnesses storytelling to foster empathy within immigration discourse, making difficult conversations more personal and less stigmatized for his students.

Author Reyna Grande similarly challenges immigration stigma. In her essay, she compares migrants to monarch butterflies: just as a monarch leaves her home to give her offspring a chance, she too left the country of her birth. This connection highlights universal themes of determination and transformation.

The United States, historically immigrant-built, currently hosts over 50 million migrants. Yet immigrants face poor treatment and false associations. We must cultivate greater empathy—understanding precedes meaningful change in advancing immigrant rights.