Complicating the Narrative of Illegal Immigration

 

      In Aravind Adiga’s Amnesty, illegal immigration is heavily analyzed. In this novel, Danny presents the 

reader with a dilemma, changing the narrative of being an illegal immigrant and softening the often-hard 

opinions about the status of illegal immigrants. This can especially be seen in Danny’s desire to do the

 right thing and his frustrations with the immigration system that has left him so stuck. 

Throughout the entire story, Danny is fighting a moral war within himself as to whether or not he should report to the police regarding things he knows about the murder of one of his clients. However, if he does this, he will have to reveal that he has been illegally living in Australia for four years. After overstaying his student visa, Danny has done everything in his power to remain anonymous and keep his true identity hidden. This underlying moral battle throughout the novel opens the readers eyes to the troubles and hardships of what it means to be an illegal immigrant. It also shows the humanity in those that are often dehumanized. Adiga makes a powerful statement about morality, fear, and the injustices within legal systems when telling Danny’s story. The frustrations of being an illegal immigrant in a country that does not respond well to that status are brought into a clear view, making the reader sympathetic for those experiencing this. 

Danny also discusses his frustrations with the Australian system. He often regards Australia as this amazing country that provides him with so many opportunities, however at the end of the day, it is the laws of the Australian government that have backed him into this unfortunate corner that he cannot escape. It does not matter that Danny is a good person, that he did the right thing, or that he helped catch a murderer. The law is clear that immigrant who is not in Australia legally will be deported to their home country, as well as fined for the taxes they failed to pay. There is a tension between Danny’s desire and love for Australia and the reality that Australia itself has put him in this position. This also creates sympathy for the illegal immigrant within the reader. Danny’s love for Australia and the reality that he will be deported and financially suffer if he is caught presents a viewpoint that is not often thought about when considering those who immigrate somewhere illegally.

Overall, Adiga’s work shines a light on the predicament of being an illegal immigrant, especially in highly Westernized countries. He reveals Danny as a good and moral person, obliterating some of the misconceptions about illegal immigrants. He also sheds light on the tension of an immigrant loving a country that will inevitably not love them back. This outlook provides a new perspective that generates sympathy in the reader. Adiga complicates the narrative of what it means to be an illegal immigrant. 

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