Importance of The White House

The White House symbolizes American ideals. After Mrs. Cruz’s release, Mari and the rest of the travelers go to Washington where they visit the White House. Mrs. Cruz is amazed that she gets to be a guest where the president lives even if it is just in the public areas. Recently there had been protests to improve immigrant rights. In the novel, there is frequent tension between what America says it is and what it does, and the White House helps symbolize that. Mari and Mrs. Cruz can go visit the White House, but they cannot legally live in the country.