Padre de Familia

Peter starts an anti-immigration group after being caught up in the pro-American sentiment at a Veterans' Day parade, but his tune quickly changes when he finds out he was born in Mexico. Unable to prove his citizenship, pass the naturalization test or convince investigators that his marriage to Lois is for real, he ends up working as a groundskeeper on his father-in-law's estate and leading the fight for immigrant rights.

Padre de Familia

November 18, 2007  |  Season 6   |  Episode 6

Peter starts an anti-immigration group after being caught up in the pro-American sentiment at a Veterans' Day parade, but his tune quickly changes when he finds out he was born in Mexico. Unable to prove his citizenship, pass the naturalization test or convince investigators that his marriage to Lois is for real, he ends up working as a groundskeeper on his father-in-law's estate and leading the fight for immigrant rights.

The Griffins attend the Quahog Veteran's Day Celebration where, after listening to Herbert sing "God Bless the USA," Peter realizes how lucky he is to be American. He begins showing off his patriotism everywhere he goes, even going as far as buying a suit themed after the American flag. He also becomes frustrated with the presence of illegal immigrants, especially with the fact that they are taking away good jobs. Peter goes to great lengths to make Quahog illegal immigrant-free, such as patrolling the town border and banning all non-American influences from his house. At the brewery, Peter convinces his supervisor to initiate an inspection, laying off any illegal immigrants employed. After doing so, he goes to his mother Thelma's house for his birth certificate to prove his citizenship. However, Thelma tells Peter a startling secret: he was born not in America, but rather in Mexico.

She explains that after learning she had been impregnated by an Irish drunk, she went to Mexico to get an abortion; however, Peter was born there and then. As soon as he was, she immediately realized she loved him and took him home with her. Not wanting to risk exposing his existence while crossing the border back to America, she never filled out his citizenship papers; as such, Peter himself is an illegal Mexican immigrant.

Peter is subsequently unemployed and the family begins to fall into debt. Lois suggests that Peter try to take a naturalization test. He fails, however, and he and Lois are informed that their marriage, which has lasted for 20 years, may not even be legitimate.

Carterdemans
After Peter fails to find any good jobs, Lois turns to her father Carter for assistance. Carter agrees to employ Peter as a servant on his estate, and the Griffins move into a settlement of other illegal Mexican immigrants near Carter's mansion. Of course, working as a servant, especially under Carter, proves grueling for Peter, who begins to empathize with the illegal immigrants. He forms a friendship with them, and they in turn invite him and his family to a party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. However, Carter crashes the party by reminding him of American regulations. Peter is outraged and rallies up the illegal immigrants to form a rebellion. Carter decides to negotiate with Peter, saying he will grant him American citizenship if he calls off the rebellion. Peter demands that everyone must gain citizenship, but the others insist that he take this opportunity, saying that their day will come someday. Peter agrees, and from this point onward Peter becomes an official American citizen; the family moves back to their house, Peter regains his job, and all is well.