The Immigrant: A Short Story
Alex was back at the United States border on January 18. Caught by immigration authorities trying to slip into the country without ID.
“I am a citizen of the United States,” said Alex calmly.
“Well, Mr. “Citizen”, you do not have any documents, and you do not have your ID, how can you prove that you are a US citizen?” said the immigration authorities officers with a tone of contempt and distrust.
“If you think that I am an illegal immigrant, it is your burden to prove that I am, not mine!” said Alex.
“Fine!” the officer shook his head, did not expect such a guy who looked like a refugee could refute his words. “Then, tell me, why did you go to Mexico? You don’t have a record and even ID, can you give me a reasonable explanation?”
Alex wondered if he should tell the authorities the truth because truthful responses to those questions were not likely to be …show more content…
I was hiking along the Interstate 40 where the freeway intersects the California border. I was so tired of walking, so I bought a secondhand aluminum canoe, and then I paddled it down the Colorado River.
“I canoed to along the river, and I passed the Hoover Dam, the Gulf of California, then I got to the desert! After that, I paddled south down Lake Havasu, which is pretty huge and amazing.” Alex paused for a minute. Actually, he went through the Yuma Proving Ground which is highly restricted by the U.S. Army, but if he continue his story, the authorities would know that he was trespassing. Alex decided to skip this part of the journey.
“But one day, the canoe crashed and unfortunately, I barely lost the control of the canoe. I was so busy saving myself that I didn’t realize that I already passed the border and I was in Mexico until the canal came to the dead end in the middle of the desert. After reconnaissance, I decided to portage to another canal not far away. Gladly, some warm and friendly local inhabitants helped me with the portage. I was hoping to get back to
“I am a citizen of the United States,” said Alex calmly.
“Well, Mr. “Citizen”, you do not have any documents, and you do not have your ID, how can you prove that you are a US citizen?” said the immigration authorities officers with a tone of contempt and distrust.
“If you think that I am an illegal immigrant, it is your burden to prove that I am, not mine!” said Alex.
“Fine!” the officer shook his head, did not expect such a guy who looked like a refugee could refute his words. “Then, tell me, why did you go to Mexico? You don’t have a record and even ID, can you give me a reasonable explanation?”
Alex wondered if he should tell the authorities the truth because truthful responses to those questions were not likely to be …show more content…
I was hiking along the Interstate 40 where the freeway intersects the California border. I was so tired of walking, so I bought a secondhand aluminum canoe, and then I paddled it down the Colorado River.
“I canoed to along the river, and I passed the Hoover Dam, the Gulf of California, then I got to the desert! After that, I paddled south down Lake Havasu, which is pretty huge and amazing.” Alex paused for a minute. Actually, he went through the Yuma Proving Ground which is highly restricted by the U.S. Army, but if he continue his story, the authorities would know that he was trespassing. Alex decided to skip this part of the journey.
“But one day, the canoe crashed and unfortunately, I barely lost the control of the canoe. I was so busy saving myself that I didn’t realize that I already passed the border and I was in Mexico until the canal came to the dead end in the middle of the desert. After reconnaissance, I decided to portage to another canal not far away. Gladly, some warm and friendly local inhabitants helped me with the portage. I was hoping to get back to