Immigrant nation : the battle for the dream /

This film focuses on Elvira Arellano, an undocumented Mexican immigrant and single mother who fights deportation and becomes a symbol for an increasingly vocal and active immigrant rights movement. Filmmaker Melendez captures Arellano's evolution as a voice for the undocumented, particularly families and children. She is articulate and sympathetic as she struggles to remain in the States with her young son and speaks for those affected by punitive legislation, policies, and increasingly virulent anti-immigrant sentiments. When she is finally deported, viewers watch her return home and feel her pain as the Mexican media excoriates her for leaving her son behind in the United States. Less compelling are the parallel story of the rise of the pro-immigrant movement and the extensive screen time given to demonstrations, marches, and sound-bite rhetoric from both sides. VERDICT Despite commentary from immigration experts and advocates, there is no real exploration of the complex issues involved in crafting fair and humane immigration policy. The production values are solid, including the effective use of original music. Bonus features include the choice of English or Spanish subtitles. An optional purchase.-Joan Pedzich, formerly with Harris Beach PLLC, Pittsford, NY (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 10 Up-A seemingly routine 2006 immigration arrest in Chicago fueled an already simmering flame of activism which led to massive street demonstrations across the country and increased pressure on legislators to repeal recently enacted anti-immigrant laws. The producers of this documentary focused on this case in which the arrested activist, Elvira Arellano, defied a deportation order so that she could stay with her young son as both took refuge in a Chicago church where she remained for a year. She was eventually deported back to Mexico and was then joined by her son. This well-developed production puts this incident into the larger context of the struggle for reform of our national immigration policy. Utilizing a balance of contemporary video and vintage film footage to illustrate the history of the problem, the program includes commentary from a number of sources on each side of the question of immigration reform. The film's title hints at the producer's bias, but that is upfront, making this an excellent resource for students. While the documentary is lengthy, its usefulness is enhanced by the inclusion of a 12-chapter selection option, English or Spanish subtitles throughout, and English subtitles when Spanish is spoken.-Dwain Thomas, formerly Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.