Summary
Living Undocumented Season 1, Episode 5, “A Family Torn Apart” gives us insight into the Zero-Tolerance Policy and the Permanently Banned Status.
This recap of Netflix Series Living Undocumented Season 1, Episode 5, “A Family Torn Apart” discusses information relevant to the Episode. You can read the recap of the previous episode by clicking these words.
In Episode 5 we are once again introduced to a new family; however, the individuals are so scared to use their real names due to threats from their homeland and risk of having to return, that we do not hear their voices. Due to laws, “Miguel” and “Maria” are separated from their niece; Living Undocumented highlights another painful story and the pitfalls of the American system.
In regards to the American system, Episode 5 gives us footage of Jeff Sessions introducing the Zero-Tolerance Policy speech for those who cross the border illegally. This speech is slightly distorted by a protestor, asking if he has a soul. I always wonder what politicians think when they make these types of expressions — do they wonder if they will be remembered on the right or wrong side of history? That’s something that bugs me every day.
We are also introduced to Eddie and Tyler; their case is different because they arrived in the USA by plane while very young. At the time, they were giving a folder of documents, but because of their age, they did not understand the legality of what they were owning. As they’ve grown up, they have taken jobs at the likes of Dunkin’ Donuts, filling in employee forms and accepting taxed wages. They call this the “Kiss of Death”.
The reason why it is called that is that they did not realize that by accepting a job and following the American system, they were claiming to have legal status. It is illegal in America to claim legal status if you do not have it, and if proven guilty, you are permanently banned from ever getting legal status. Their next trip is to move to Canada, a country that they feel meets their values.
Episode 5 delves into families getting torn apart at the border by the new policies — children separated from their parents and left in detention centers in absurd living conditions. There is no humanity in America at the moment; it’s cut-throat and dehumanizing.
Living Undocumented Season 1, Episode 5, “A Family Torn Apart” ends with the Dunoyer family living in anxiety still and Pablo running social media campaigns on their story. The father of the family is deported back to Colombia — the USA may as well have sentenced him to death.
You can read the recap of the sixth episode by clicking these words.
