When I was reflecting on topics for my ethnographic case study report, I felt inspired to examine someone very close to me who is "undocumented", someone I saw firsthand experience, someone who influenced my life and understanding of immigrants with his situation; my partner, Mario. This class exposed us to many writings on the topics of migration, immigration, and emigration. I began to compare the concepts and information contained in the readings with Mario's personal situation. I was curious if his response would be “Looking for a better life” when asked, “Why did you come here?” Offering insights and personal experiences regarding his/our situation, I would like to discuss issues directly related to the expected learning outcomes that the Migration and Culture course had presented at the beginning of the semester, including: patterns, transnational events, understanding why people migrate and impacts on the host and home communities of migrants. I had conducted a semi-formal interview with Mario and asked questions that might help me and others understand the issues and processes involved in being a migrant (how and why people migrate). I wanted his perspective on why people decide to migrate. I wanted to know what your fears, frustrations, rights and responsibilities are in your role as an illegal and undocumented person. I also wanted to add my specific concerns related to having a partner of this status. The how and why of Mario's journey is probably not much different than that of other Mexicans who have made the journey north to the United States. He lived in Nayarit, a state in Mexico along the Pacific Ocean about 1,600 miles south of the border. He lived with his mother, father, and eleven siblings... middle of paper... even if we went to the grocery store or the doctor's office. The fact that he is listed as my domestic partner under my health, dental and life insurance does not change his legal status. Another big concern of mine is the issue of insurance. My insurance company accepts him as my employee and collects the premiums. If it is necessary to file a claim on your behalf, the insurance company may reserve the right to deny it if it claims that the accident or illness occurred during the commission of a crime. Being in this county illegally is a crime. Many questions concern Mario's status. I've just been exposed to some. My exposure made the concepts discussed in class more understandable. I understand the risks they take to be here and when I asked Mario if it was worth it, he said the opportunity for a better life was worth all the risks and sacrifices.