What is the author's tone in the memoir, Undocumented?

The book’s various tonal qualities are defined by aspects of the author’s identity which, as noted above in “Perspective,” also define the book’s themes. The dominant tonal quality is defined by the use of language and phrasing that tends towards the academic and distant, the matter-of-fact and the autobiographical. There is a sense that the author, who describes himself throughout the book as being somewhat emotionally detached, is attempting to present his story and circumstances in a similarly detached way. He seems to be deliberately avoiding the emotionally-charged rhetoric and argument that tends to characterize the debate around immigration in the United States. Nevertheless, there is also the sense, throughout the book, that he is presenting his reality, making his case for immigration reform, and stating his claims in language that is not quite legal in tone, but does seem to steer away from language that suggests a plea for sympathy, or defensiveness, or rationalization.