One might consider the Spanish expression "without papers" (sin papeles) which identifies the dilemma of the undocumented worker. We rely to a great extent on paper identities, when pressed, for gaining access to public services, despite greater use of the web. Those who lack papers experience our world differently; some may argue, it's plastic we use for identification, but that occurs after paper copies are authenticated of who we are, which entitles us to carry a flat portable plastic symbol of authentication. Employment is a narrow arena for what the undocumented experience everyday, when unable to gain access to what, for us, is a variety of things open to the public.

Keith V Bletzer

Medical Anthropologist