Illegal is a graphic novel the tells the story of Ebo, a migrant from Niger, and his experiences trying to get to Europe as a refugee.

Told in alternating chapters of “Then” and “Now”, Ebo’s journey began when his brother disappeared. The “Then” chapters chronicled the history leading up to Ebo’s decision to migrate. The “Now” chapters detail the harrowing journey of Ebo and his fellow migrants attempts to reach Europe. He lived with an alcoholic uncle and once his brother left, was left to his own devices. His brother, Kwame, left to try to find their sister, Sisi, who had immigrated some years before them. Ebo knew he would have a tough time surviving on his own without his brother so he set out after him.

This book illustrated the dangers and the risks that migrants take to seek safety and asylum or simply a chance at a better way of life. It describes the ways these desperate people get taken advantage of time after time. It makes the reader aware that these people are risking their lives and often the lives of their children to escape horrific conditions. The book points out that millions make the dangerous trek from Northern Africa to Italy and that it is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. Empathy is needed to try to solve the massive refugee problem not just in Europe but also in the United States. The authors point to the desperation of these peopl and the fact that they are people. Human beings who deserve a safe and happy life. The book opens with a quote from Elile Weisel:

“You, who are so-called illegal aliens, must know that no human being is illegal. That is a contradiction in terms. Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?”