Illegally Yours

A Memoir

By: Rafael Agustin

Narrated by: Rafael Agustin

A funny and poignant memoir about how as a teenager, TV writer Rafael Agustin (Jane the Virgin) accidentally discovered he was undocumented and how that revelation turned everything he thought he knew about himself and his family upside down.

Growing up, Rafa’s parents didn't want him to feel different because, as his mom told him: "Dreams should not have borders." But when he tried to get his driver's license during his junior year of high school, his parents were forced to reveal his immigration status. Suddenly, the kid who modeled his entire high school career after American TV shows had no idea what to do—there was no episode of Saved by the Bell where Zack gets deported! While his parents were relieved to no longer live a lie in front of their son, Rafa found himself completely unraveling in the face of his uncertain future.

Illegally Yours is a heartwarming, comical look at how this struggling Ecuadorian immigrant family bonded together to navigate Rafa's school life, his parents' work lives, and their shared secret life as undocumented Americans, determined to make the best of their always turbulent and sometimes dangerous American existence. From using the Ricky Martin/Jennifer Lopez “Latin Explosion” to his social advantage in the ‘90s to how his parents—doctors in their home country of Ecuador—were reduced to working menial jobs in the US, the family's secret became their struggle, and their struggle became their hustle. An alternatingly hilarious and touching exploration of belonging and identity, Illegally Yours revolves around one very simple question: What does it mean to be American?

©2022 Rafael Agustin (P)2022 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"Funny is where the heart is. But this book is more than just funny—it’s candid, discerning, and truthful in the most specific and humane ways about what it means to be an immigrant, undocumented or not, in America. A writer of immense heart, Rafael Agustín pierces through these pages."—Jose Antonio Vargas, founder of Define American and best-selling author of Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen

“You cannot change someone’s mind before first changing their heart. Rafael Agustin's Illegally Yours does that with one of the most divisive issues in America today: immigration.”—Alyssa Milano

What a journey!

Everyone’s journey is unique yet, many share the same story. Rafael’s book had my attention the moment I tapped play. The twists and turns, throughout the book. We all know someone who has gone thru the similar hardships. Some keep pushing and win, some don’t, no matter how hard they try. Rafael’s success and journey is a true inspiration. What a journey!

Funny, compelling and authentic

I loved this Book! As a South American immigrant I found so much commonality with the author. The sorties were compelling and sweet. I laughed and cried and at moments wanted to give the child Rafael a big hug. This memoir has beautiful lessons of persistence even when feeling unseen. A must read!

The sky is the limit

Wonderful depiction of a reality hidden everywhere.
Leaves me wanting to be a better person.

Ncg

A very much needed book!!!! A great storyteller in a snapshot of American immigration. Recommend all students to read

Beautifully Written!!

I loved this memoir because is was well written, entertaining and enjoyable to listen to!!!

Absolutely loved this book!

Rafa narrated this powerful book so well! Definitely kept my attention! Definitely recommend u read this book even if you were not a child immigrant.

-RaqC

I love this story sooooooo much!

Great story and really well read. I loved hearing about your life and learning about the challenges of being a new immigrant, being undocumented and just general things that were described.

I have to say that I laughed out loud at the Vicks VapoRub story since I recently became close with an Ecuadoran family and was named Godmother to a 9&10 year old. Just before I heard your story one of them was feeling sick, but told me everything should be alright because her mom just rubbed her with VapoRub. At least the tradition continues across generations and continents and is still happening in Queens.

Thank you for telling your story.

Excellently Written and Read!!

I loved everything about this book!! It was real, raw, and fantastic. As a brown indigenous roots I understand what it is like to strive for more in a country who wants to keep you down. I too had brown angels put in my path who encouraged me to go big and as the first college graduate in my family this story designated with me.

Interesting perspective

It’s always interesting to learn of another person’s
experience through their own words. Gave you a whole new appreciation for what the author went through, trying to dodge a system that he was trying to integrate. A very good read, or I should say listen. I recommend it.

An Inspiration

Such a great book and performance by Rafael Agustin! I definitely recommend this book.