Bracero Program

Did you know that from 1942-64, thousands and thousands of Mexicans were imported into the United States to work? It was under a program called the Bracero Program, and it was initially begun as a two part plan: import Mexican workers to supply the agricultural need because of World War II and to help the railroad industry. When the war ended in 1945, so did the railroad side of it. But what happened with the agricultural side? It was extended to 1948. Between 1948-51, contracts were formalized between growers out west and Mexican officials. In 1951, President Truman signed Public Law 78, which created a two-year program that protected Mexican workers. Every two years, this law was renewed until 1963, when it was renewed for just one year with the understanding that it would end in 1964.



So why is this a big deal? It's a small footnote to the history of our 20th century history, but it's a big deal for places in California. The way this program worked was it allowed otherwise illegal Mexicans to legally cross the border and obtain green cards to work for American farmers. These braceros (as they were called) first went to California, but were eventually sent all over the country, with the heaviest populations staying in the southwest. The biggest criticism of the program was the number of braceros who would not go to work and instead flee to a city to live as an illegal. But most didn't flee, and instead worked in the program. They were happy to work in the program because it mandated certain conditions and wages that were above levels in Mexico. The problem was when the quotas were met, then the conditions and wages would no longer apply, so the workers couldn't work in the program officially. Instead, they would be kept on or hired illegally which would mean their pay would be very minimal. The workers couldn't complain because they knew that they were illegal. Many illegals came across at this time and they competed for jobs with members of the Bracero Program. Naturally, employers wanted the cheapest labor and most opted for the illegal rather than the one whom you had to secure certain conditions and wages. So in many ways, the Bracero Program created a culture of illegal, cheap labor in the US. Several labor unions found the Bracero Program to be their biggest hindrance in workers' rights.



The program's height was during the 1950's, but by the early 60's, it was coming into fire for some of the things mentioned above. The last year it was officially in place was 1964, but there were some smaller contracts of the program that lasted until 1967.

Another interesting note is that the braceros from 1942-48 were required to put up to 10% of their wages into a special savings account. The members of the railroad program received theirs but the members of the agricultural program did not. Through the 1990's and 2000's, there were numerous lawsuits to try to locate what happened to the money and to return the money to the workers and their families. The lawsuits have pretty much been thrown out; however, those who were formerly braceros can receive up to $3500 if they can prove they were in the program. Today, a vast number of Hispanic Americans can trace their lineage to a relative who came to the US from Mexico during the Bracero Program.

Bet you didn't know that!