Ep 5. A Family Torn Apart

Living Undocumented is a riveting documentary show that explores the lives of eight undocumented families as they struggle to navigate the complex and often cruel immigration system in the United States. Each episode takes a deep dive into the lives of one of these families and their unique challenges, hopes, and fears.

In season 1, episode 5, entitled "A Family Torn Apart," we meet the Cruz family. Juan and Karla Cruz are a married couple from Mexico who have built a life together in the United States, raising their four children and running a small family business. But their lives are turned upside down when Juan is unexpectedly deported, leaving Karla to care for their children alone.

The episode begins with a heartbreaking scene; Karla receives a call from Juan's boss, telling her that immigration agents have arrested Juan at work and are taking him away. Karla is devastated, and the camera captures her crying and holding her youngest son, who is confused and scared. We see the immediate impact of Juan's deportation as Karla struggles to keep her business afloat and care for her children without her husband's support.

As the episode progresses, we learn more about the Cruz family's backstory and the challenges they faced while living undocumented in the United States. Juan came to the country as a teenager and worked hard to provide for his family, often taking on multiple jobs to make ends meet. Karla, who came to the US with her parents as a child, was determined to build a successful business and provide for her children. Together, they built a life that they loved, surrounded by friends and family.

But their lives were always overshadowed by the threat of deportation, and when Juan was issued a final deportation order, their worst fears were realized. We see the toll that separation takes on the family, as Karla struggles to juggle her responsibilities and keep her loved ones together. She leans on her community for support, attending church services and spending time with friends who understand her pain.

Throughout the episode, we also hear from experts on immigration policy and the legal challenges facing undocumented families in the US. We learn about the harsh reality of deportation and how it affects millions of families like the Cruzes. The show doesn't shy away from the difficult questions, probing the reasons behind the US government's harsh immigration policies and exploring the human cost of strict enforcement.

Despite the somber tone of the episode, there are moments of hope and resilience that stand out. We see how Karla and her children rally together, finding strength in each other and their shared love for Juan. We witness the power of community support, as Karla's friends and neighbors step up to help in any way they can. And we see the Cruz family continue to fight for Juan's release, even when the odds seem overwhelming.

Overall, "A Family Torn Apart" is a compelling and emotionally charged episode of Living Undocumented that sheds light on the harsh realities facing immigrant families in the US. It is a powerful reminder of the human toll of deportation and the need for reforms to our immigration policies. At the same time, it is a moving tribute to the strength and resilience of families like the Cruzes, who refuse to give up in the face of adversity.