How does the author address the theme of isolation?

Ironically, even though most of the immigrant characters live at the same apartment complex, they are each in their own way victims of isolation. This isolation is not necessarily always related directly to coming from another country or culture. Characters are featured in isolation due to working conditions, living arrangements, medical situations, family strife and even—in the case of one non-immigrant character—responding to violence against them by acting out violently toward others.