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Carlos Ortiz

Mrs. Angulo

AP English Language & Composition

27 February 2017

Argumentative Essay: Enriques Journey

In recent epochs, Central American migration to the United States has been compelled

primarily through the political instability and economic adversity found among large-scale

countries of Central America. Despite this, migration is disputatiously done by a majority of

Latina mothers who risk their existence and the relation with their children in order to

financially support them through U.S. economics, neglecting moral and developmental

support that children desire. Throughout Enriques Journey (2006), Sonia Nazario reasons

that many departing mothers dont comprehend the full consequences of leaving their child

behind as separations dont always result in the prosperous viewpoint expected through

optimism. Arguably, a mother should remain with her children as they are dependent on a

close relationship to prosper and will notably make radical decisions to maintain this status.

The juxtaposition between staying with or leaving a child behind in order to support them is a

decision that must be profoundly considered by optimistic Latina mothers as separation may

cause for feelings of abandonment, individual deterioration, and the possibility of lethal

consequences for children seeking the affection of their mothers.

In reality, numerous Latina mothers seek financial availability as a prime method to

support and elate their children with education, a home, an abundance of food, and non-

essential commodities. Although many would benefit from currency that separates one from

the line of poverty, children develop feelings of abandonment as they are not physically

supported by their mothers from a few feet away, completely eliminating the affectious

connection between mother and child. Through Enriques perception, he claims, A true
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mother, he tells Lourdes, isnt the person who carries you in her womb. It is someone who

raises and nurtures you, landing a distinguished blow describing that he just required the

mother-child relationship with Lourdes to not result as dilapidated as he did throughout the

years (Nazario). Debatably, most children are left with some form of close relative through

culture, as Enrique with his grandmother Mara who morally supported him and supplied

affection despite living at the line of poverty. Being expected to prosper however, Enriques

feelings of abandonment were fueled through judgmental accusations that resulted in further

downfall since he had no bodily relief from his mother, just as many other children

experience.

While Latina mothers economically benefit in the United States, some children

develop individual deterioration through the form of drugs and lethal habits to accommodate

the lost support of their mothers. According to drugfree.org, numerous teens turn to drugs for

solace when they had taken an emotional toll or are infelicitous with their surroundings (Top

8 Reasons). In reflection, Enrique turned to substance abuse through marijuana and glue as a

form of escapism from the feelings induced by the disconnection of his mother and the

addition of family judgement. His identity drastically changed as he revolted, only seeking

the physical being of his mother to support his condition. Contrary to this form of

development, Enriques girlfriend Mara Isabel did not sustain through the use of narcotics

despite remaining in the same position of separation from her parents. Although she reflected

a moral image for those who seek escape from feelings of neglect, Isabel supplemented her

affection through the birth of her and Enriques daughter, Jasmn. Through these examples, it

is evident that children and teenagers are prone to radical measures to supplement feelings of

affection and sustenance.

As Latina mothers remain in the United States for numerous years to prosper and

financially gain for the benefit of their children, countless progenies risk the possibility of
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lethal consequences through the preparation and execution of attempting to reunify with their

mothers. Taking part on hazardous journeys atop freight trains and among political

corruption, children may experience rape, torture, impairment, and malnutrition just to see

their mothers once again. According to analyst Jie Zong and Jeanne Batalova representing

Migration Policy Institute, approximately 74 percent of unaccompanied children that arrive at

the U.S.-Mexico border were from major Central American countries such as El Salvador,

Guatemala, and Honduras, seeking some form of closure or relationship (Central American

Immigrants). This in turn, has the possibility to be reduced through the more developed

consideration of mothers planning on migrating to the United States. As all of Enriques

Journey represents the dangerous expedition of his, it is evident that a childs trip towards the

U.S. poses great threats as he was subjected to demise countless times along with having to

evade corruption from government officers. Also, having the availability of a coyote to aid

the crossing of the U.S.-Mexico border proves that one does not need to take extreme

measures to find a way inside of American lands. Although anybody may request for a coyote

to minimize danger, not all have the financial capabilities in order to do so. Children are also

increasingly more vulnerable to experience theft or abandonment through the use of a coyote,

likewise to when traveling alone.

In conclusion, Latina mothers should exceedingly consider the juxtaposition between

remaining with or leaving behind their child as separation may result in contemplations of

abandonment, individual corrosion, and the prospect of mortal penalties for the child. These

progenies expect a physical connection between themselves and their mothers, therefore they

will take extreme measures just to subside the feeling of abandonment to the extent of their

possible death.
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Works Cited

"Central American Immigrants in the United States." Migrationpolicy.org. Migration Policy

Institute, 28 Dec. 2015. Web. 27 Feb. 2017.

Nazario, Sonia. Enrique's Journey: The True Story of a Boy Determined to Reunite with His

Mother. New York: Ember, 2014. Print.

"Top 8 Reasons why Teens Try Alcohol and Drugs." Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. N.p.,

n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2017.