With the character of Guizac, O'Connor touches on our somewhat schizophrenic relationship with immigrants, and shows that the xenophobia surrounding immigration issues is a timeless topic.
As has always been the case in this country, immigration is vital to the success of our economy. Though this can lead to exploitation, American businesses rely on low-income workers to come in from other countries desperate to do the dirty work Americans don't want to do.
At the same time, Americans complain that the immigrants are taking our jobs.
How true is this with Guizac! At first, he's a godsend for Mrs. McIntyre, as he's grateful for any work, and unlike her American laborers, who are prone to loafing, he is a hard, uncomplaining worker.
The initial suspicion of him comes not from Mrs. McIntyre, but rather from the other characters who feel threatened by his work ethic. They eventually convince Mrs. McIntyre to act against her own best interests, and not with logical reasons, but rather suspicion and xenophobia.
This type of thinking has permeated immigration issues, and still does. The absurdity of it would be comical were it not so tragic.
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