Chapter 5 Summary

Esperanza's discomfort continues, when they arrive at the United States border in Mexicali. She notices the people in the front cars of the train are hurried through customs while those in the rear are herded into a dirty room to wait for their formal immigration review. Mama shows some of her previous class and intelligence by insisting they all have jobs and correct papers allowing them to enter, and they are finally allowed to board a train for the completion of their trip. Miguel and his father, Alfonso, are almost late boarding as they leave to get water for a small package they secretly carry on and off at each stop.

Finally arriving in Los Angeles, they are met by Alfonso's brother, Juan, his wife, Josefina, and their three children, all of whom are obviously campesinos. Before boarding their truck for the long...