Ask Me No Questions

Aisha is a foil to her sister Nadira, their contrasting character arcs highlighting their distinct responses to the challenges of immigrant life. Initially portrayed as a paragon of success, Aisha embodies the high aspirations many immigrant families harbor for their children. Her drive for academic excellence and her ambition to attend college exemplify her efforts to assimilate and succeed in American society and are key to the novel’s exploration of The Struggle for Identity and Belonging in a New Country.

An early tendency toward anxiety foreshadows Aisha’s trajectory, which takes a turn as external pressures and scrutiny begin to erode her confidence. Aisha initially responds to her father’s detainment proactively and determinedly, writing letters to Homeland Security and arguing on behalf of her family. However, as her family’s situation worsens, the once-driven Aisha becomes reclusive. Her withdrawal from the debate team, missed college interview, and willingness to jeopardize her valedictorian status reflect her growing desire for invisibility, which she sees as a survival strategy.

Aisha contrasts with Nadira, who starts as a more passive character only to become more assertive. While Nadira finds strength in taking responsibility and stepping up for her family, Aisha’s journey is about reclamation. She seeks to reassert her voice and identity in a society that marginalizes her. Aisha’s journey comes full circle in a moment of self-affirmation encouraged by her sister. During her graduation speech, she declares, “I am an illegal alien” (151), a departure from her previous desire to conceal her identity. This self-declaration is a pivotal moment in her narrative, indicating her acceptance of her identity and a rejection of the fear that had come to define her.

Tareq, a secondary character in the novel, serves as a vehicle to explore the experiences of those immigrants who find themselves on the fringes. Nicknamed “bagh’a,” or “tiger,” Tareq is a rebellious school dropout, reflecting the disillusionment and defiance that young immigrants may feel in response to societal and systemic pressures.

Tareq’s interactions with Nadira reveal key aspects of his character. He offers Nadira a counterfeit green card, a tempting yet illegal solution to her problems. Thus, Tareq represents the desperate measures that immigrants may consider when confronted with legal obstacles. Despite his limited narrative presence, Tareq’s character embodies the path of resistance and survival in an environment that leaves few options; he also encapsulates the moral ambiguity that such desperation can lead to, illustrating a potential path that Nadira and Aisha might have traveled down.

Abba, the patriarch of the Hossain family, is a character whose actions and beliefs are central to the developing narrative. His decision to remain in the United States on expired visas sets the stage for the family’s struggles. Abba is defined by his principles and his belief in doing the right thing, a trait that often places him at odds with the harsh realities of the family’s undocumented status. This juxtaposition between his ideals and the practicalities of immigrant life is a crucial aspect of his storyline.

Abba serves as a foil to Uncle, who views Abba as overly idealistic and naïve—a dreamer whose aspirations are at odds with the pragmatic approach Uncle takes to survive. It’s Abba’s “dreamy” nature that drives him to travel to Canada, where he hopes to live without the constant fear of exposure. Uncle is deeply critical of this decision, underlining the contrast between the two characters’ coping mechanisms as undocumented immigrants.

The events of the novel test Abba’s principles. He seeks a better life for his family but breaks US law in doing so. This decision, made with the hopeful intentions, inadvertently puts the family in jeopardy, highlighting the moral and ethical complexities many immigrants face. Abba’s detainment and the threat of deportation force him to confront the consequences of his decisions and the ripple effect they have on his family. This experience tests his ideals and challenges his understanding of the “right thing” to do. Abba’s journey explores the complexities of immigrant identity, the conflict between ideals and reality, and The Impact of Immigration Policies on Families.