Carlos Bulosan’s America Is in the Heart unravels the complex journey of a young Filipino immigrant, Allos, as he grapples with his identity in America. Amidst the promises of the American dream, Allos faces a reality fraught with challenges. Throughout the narrative, various institutions play pivotal roles in shaping his growth, often oscillating between nurturing and stifling his development. While organizations such as labor unions occasionally offer solidarity and support, other institutions, like the police, frequently act as barriers, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination and alienation.

The novel is punctuated by incidents of violence and racial discrimination, revealing a pattern of systemic oppression faced by immigrants in America. These encounters not only highlight the pervasive cruelty of the era but also serve as catalysts for Allos’s growing awareness and resistance. Each instance of prejudice encountered by Allos carves out a deeper understanding of his place in a society that is both inviting and unwelcoming.

Although the narrative predominantly explores Allos's struggle for acceptance, it also questions the notion of assimilation into the American mainstream. Allos’s journey reflects a nuanced quest for belonging—one that challenges the definition of assimilation itself. Rather than fully integrating into the dominant culture, Allos finds solace and identity within his community of fellow immigrants and activists. Here, he discovers a shared understanding and support that transcend cultural boundaries, forming a tight-knit community that bolsters his resolve and identity.

Significantly, friends and mentors within this community—often fellow immigrants and activists—play a crucial role in helping Allos navigate his new world. They provide guidance and strength, reinforcing the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. This communal support is reminiscent of themes in other coming-of-age narratives, such as James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio. These works similarly explore the intricate dance of self-discovery amidst societal expectations, illustrating a universal struggle for identity and purpose.