Miguel Is Illegal

Miguel Sanchez walks under the bridge every day hoping for spare change from incoming drivers. As Miguel walks to the bridge, he often wonders how his life could have been different if a magical place filled with books and Internet access had existed in his school days.

When Miguel was seventeen-years-old, his parents immigrated to America. He begged his father to help him learn Spanish, but what money his father made from his job at his brother’s car dealership went to food and bills—not luxuries such as books or the Internet. Without the necessary learning tools at home, Miguel stole a computer from the local Wal-Mart. Upon leaving the store, the security alarms went off, and Miguel was quickly apprehended. After being arrested, Miguel
Miguel’s father caught sight of Miguel’s failing grades and forced him to drop out and work Miguel’s brother’s car dealership. Five months later, both Miguel and his father were out of a job after a local gang killed Miguel’s uncle and stole all of the cars. Without internet to find a job or newspapers since they were often seized quickly by the many other jobless people in the city, Miguel’s dad tragically committed suicide. Miguel and his mother were forced to sell their home and car for less than their value. Similar homes built near community building had gone for $9,000 more, but no one wanted to live near nothing. Without Internet, Miguel and his mom could not secure government aid or find an apartment. Miguel and his mom decided to save what little money they had and sleep under the nearby bridge. Tragically, however, Miguel’s mom’s credit card was stolen by another homeless person, and all money they had was soon gone. Problems continued, as Miguel noticed a dark spot his mom’s neck and her frequent needs for rest. Unable to find out what the spot was,