Undocumented Motherhood: Conversations on Love, Trauma, and Border Crossing

Claudia Garcia's book "Undocumented Motherhood" is an intimate portrayal of the hardships faced by an undocumented family navigating the medical and educational systems in the United States. Claudia recounts the terror of migrating alone with her toddler and the incredible challenges she faced advocating for her daughters health. Elizabeth Farfán-Santos spent five years with Claudia and witnessed her struggles with doctors and teachers. The book reveals what remains undocumented in the motherhood of Mexican women who make impossible decisions and multiple sacrifices as they build a future for their families.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2022
Publisher: University of Texas Press

The 2023 SANA Book Award, presented by the Society for the Anthropology of North America, honored Claudia Garcia's book with an Honorable Mention. This remarkable work also received recognition from the NACCS Tejas Foco Award for Non-Fiction, the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies, and the Writers League of Texas. Through an intimate portrayal, the book sheds light on the hardships faced by an undocumented family as they navigate the complex medical and educational systems in the United States.

Claudia Garcia's journey began when her toddler, Natalia, suffered from hearing loss and she decided to cross the border in search of better medical care. Claudia vividly recounts the terrifying experience of migrating alone with her young child, facing numerous challenges along the way. She highlights the immense difficulties she encountered in advocating for her daughter's health, particularly when she realized that her undocumented status would not only affect her immigration status but also shape her way of life, motherhood, and relationships.

As Claudia settled in Texas, she discovered that being undocumented extended beyond just legal implications. It became a way of living, mothering, and being discarded by even the institutions that were meant to provide care and support. Claudia's story is deeply personal, as she shares her experiences with Elizabeth Farfán-Santos, who spent five years documenting her journey. Elizabeth's own mother's story, shaped by migration, the US-Mexico border, and the pursuit of a healthy future, resonated with Claudia's struggles. Through their conversations, the book sheds light on how the education and medical systems enforce undocumented status and perpetuate disability.

One particularly poignant moment in the book occurs when Claudia is struck by debilitating pain while advocating for her daughter. Her comadres, or fellow community members, come to her aid, lifting her up and ensuring she receives medical attention. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the need to prioritize one's well-being, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

The book weaves together a braided narrative that explores the power of stories for creating connection and understanding. It reveals the undocumented experiences of motherhood among Mexican women who are forced to make impossible decisions and make numerous sacrifices as they navigate the complexities of life in the United States. Claudia's story is a testament to the resilience and strength of these women, who find ways to support and uplift one another in the face of adversity.

Overall, "Undocumented Motherhood" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the experiences of undocumented families and highlights the systemic barriers they face. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of these women, who continue to push forward and advocate for their rights and the well-being of their children.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477326138