Illegally Yours

Television writer Agustin’s (Jane the Virgin) humorous and heartfelt memoir details his unknowingly undocumented coming of age in Southern California. Narrating his own story, Agustin describes how his parents, both doctors, immigrated to the United States from Ecuador. Despite their promises of better opportunities, Agustin was disappointed with life in the States, as his parents juggled multiple jobs and never had enough money, time, or stability. Although his recollections are often funny, they incline toward the bittersweet. In one such memory, Augustin recounts the highlight of his childhood—trips to AM/PM for 50-cent Sunday hamburgers. His father regretted that he could not afford more, but Agustin warmheartedly insists that they were the best hamburgers of his life. Although Agustin’s tone is generally upbeat and optimistic, he occasionally allows his outrage and frustration to show, particularly when describing how painful it was for him to learn of his undocumented status. While he won the election for class president, graduated from UCLA, and achieved success in Hollywood and beyond, he did so against the odds.