An American Tail: Fievel Goes West continues theme of mice as immigrants trying to make it in America and the cats as the leaders who exploit their little opportunity. Due to poverty and overpopulation in the cities, immigrants emigrate west hoping for a better life yet still find exploitation. The theme of exploitation is balanced well with the notion that the immigrants were the backbone of American development as it expanded west. The immigrants were exploited, yet they continued labor in hopes of fortune that was rarely reached. The film also shows that you can be happy in times of trouble if you believe in yourself; a powerful ideal not to lose.