La línea means “the line” in Spanish. In the novel, la línea is the physical border between the United States and Mexico. To Miguel, Elena, and all the immigrants they encounter on their trip north, however, la línea represents both a barrier and a transition, a restriction and potential freedom. Immigrants see the line as an obstacle they must overcome to achieve a different, better life. They believe there are greater opportunities in the north, such as chances for education and financial stability.

As a barrier, the line is divisive, separating families like Miguel’s for years and possibly forever. Crossing the line constitutes a brutal test of migrants’ determination and perseverance. Miguel and Elena dream of the day they will cross la línea and rejoin their families, imagining that life will then be easy. They risk their lives for their dreams only to discover that crossing the line does not ensure their dreams will become reality.

After crossing la línea, Miguel comments, “I’d arrived at the very place I always wanted to be, across la línea, in el Norte, but I was in the middle of nowhere” (98). Crossing the border does not bring immediate change or self-knowledge.