Rudy, a Mexican-American who speaks no Spanish, works in East Los Angeles. One day, his boss asks him to pick up his cousin from a factory, but Rudy is mistakenly swept up in an immigration raid and deported to Mexico. Despite having no identification on him at the time, Rudy's thick accent and inability to speak Spanish make it impossible to convince the authorities that he is an American citizen. Left penniless in a country he doesn't understand, Rudy struggles to survive and find a way back to the United States. He faces numerous obstacles including con artists and bureaucratic red tape, but he remains determined to return home.

In Mexico, Rudy befriends a resourceful street vendor named Jimmy and others who help him navigate the unfamiliar terrain. He also crosses paths with various unscrupulous characters and finds himself in humorous yet challenging situations as he attempts to earn money, reclaim his identity, and reach the U.S. border. Along the way, Rudy's journey illuminates the lives of those trying to cross into the United States for a better life. His experiences lead him to reflect on his own heritage and identity while highlighting the complexities faced by immigrants.