Bracero Program Essay

The Bracero program implemented in 1942 was not the first attempt the United States made in creating a migrant worker program with Mexico. America’s first trial at a program to increase the amount of farm laborers began in 1917. By the year 1921, the Mexican government had decided to end this bilateral agreement with the United States. This decision was made on the basis of low wages, keeping farm workers from being able to save money and send it home to their families, and many of the Braceros were facing racial discrimination (Martin). An online periodical published by the University of California Davis, describes how 21 years after the termination of the Bracero program, many farm owners complained about the lack of laborers they had in

the country. Farm labor was unattractive to most Americans because of the low wages and extremely demanding physical work. Farm owners then pushed legislators to reinstate the guest worker program. The United States, in fear of food shortages, decided to renegotiate a deal with Mexico. In order to prevent Braceros from falling victim to the same problems the last program presented, the Mexican government required that they were given contracts granting them the right to sufficient wages, proper housing, and safe working conditions (Martin). Even though Mexico was making an effort to improve living conditions for their migrant workers, these efforts had no effect as the United States fell short on their part of the agreement. The United States did not enforce the conditions and provisions to safeguard the migrant labor population as promised. Instead they granted employers the responsibility of making sure that the workers had safe living conditions. These farm owners acted solely out of their own economic interests and violated the agreement that the US promised to the Braceros.
The farm owners allowed workers with fake documentation to work.

These illegal immigrants worked for lower wages than the Braceros, and lessened the demands for laborers, resulting in worse conditions and pay. The number of migrant workers, both legitimate and illegitimately working under the Bracero program, had doubled following a three year period after the program was implemented (Speizer). Ultimately, this cost the Braceros a significant amount of money as the demand for farm laborers lowered triggering a drop in wages. The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization’s president, Richard Trumka, made a statement describing the exploitation guest worker programs allow referencing the Bracero program. ABC news reporter, Jordan Fabian, cites him describing how many migrant workers were “cheated out of wages they weren't given what was rightfully due to them. They were forced to work under unsafe conditions. They were forced to accept substandard wages. They couldn't say anything, because if they did, [the employer] would jerk their permit and deport them” (Fabian). Basically, Trumka describes how the American government put the Braceros in a powerless position. His description of the harsh reality many Mexicans faced in the Bracero program, along with the US government’s knowledge of these facts, reveals the lack of concern the government had for these guest-workers. The American government inadvertently made a powerful statement by disregarding

the wellbeing of these migrant workers. Mexicans suffered a similar fate as African Americans who were discriminated against during this time due to their lack of recognition as people from the government. In the 1940’s American society perceived the government’s views as superior and allowed for legislation to shape American culture. The government’s lack of concern for Braceros prompted the American public to treat Mexicans the same way. These Braceros’ were viewed as undeserving of the governments help, therefore proving their inferior status. These guest workers experienced racism and isolation by all segments of society. Their daily life in the US was impacted by these views of them as inferior intellectually, socially and economically. The program that was meant to safeguard them led to their exploitation.
When the Mexican government had announced the initiation of the Bracero program, it was a very coveted job. America had seemed like a land of endless opportunity to impoverished Mexicans. Under the Bracero contracts men were promised a fair salary and the ability to work under safe conditions. Between 40,000 and 100,000 males were then chosen to participate in the migrant worker program (Martin). Many of these men had left their families to be Braceros as they believed they could earn a higher salary under this program and then send it home. Some of the men who were not chosen for the program, had still wanted to go to America. These people then attempted to cross the border illegally, as they realized that there was little law enforcement to keep them from doing so (Speizer). This then triggered an influx of migrant workers travelling to the US illegally, and these immigrants created false documents in order to work in the fields as Braceros. This increase in number drove down the wages of Braceros, and ultimately contributed to introducing many of these illegal immigrants to a life of poverty. As some of these immigrants began to illegally settle in America and start families, they were forced to deal with increased opposition from both the government and the American people. Descendants of the Braceros were then confined to the occupations of their parents as fieldworkers because of the lack of opportunities they were given. Though this problem has lessened in modern society, it is still affecting Mexicans today. The widespread racism the Bracero program caused continues to affect society as it is an ideology that American culture has yet to abandon.
Though it seems plausible that immigrants could be negatively affecting the American economy, a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania describes otherwise. This research project came to the conclusion that “ wages are unaffected by immigration over the long-term and that the economic effects of immigration are mostly positive for natives and for the overall economy” (“Effects of Immigration”). This study’s use of statistical analysis brings important evidence to the table regarding immigration law debate today. Many people have made the argument that they are against immigration for economic purposes, however this article provides clarification that immigrants improve the economy. Anti-immigration advocates use this false statement often as the basis of their claim, which brings up the question as to what actually drives their political stance on immigration. An answer to this question might be the intrinsic racism that exists against Mexicans, as well as other immigrants. This deeply rooted prejudice was seen after World War Two had come to an end. As men came back from war, many had trouble finding work. This frustration had caused Americans to look for something to blame, and in this case they turned to the Braceros. Irwin Speizer, a writer for the online magazine Workforce Management, describes that the government received “complaints that Bracero workers were taking jobs away from U.S. citizens and depressing wages”, which is what caused the program’s cancellation (Speizer). Basically, Speizer is describing the reason why Americans felt the Bracero program should end, however their claims were inaccurate. These false justifications for their stance on immigration reveals the deep hatred that Americans felt against these people. Sadly many of these sentiments remain and the Mexican is still a scapegoat for the economic woes of people looking to cast blame for their own circumstances.
One beneficial outcome of the widespread discrimination experienced by the Braceros was the the ascendance of farm worker activist, Cesar Chavez.

He sought to change the common exploitation of farm workers and institutionalized discrimination. Chavez organized marches, and boycotts to contribute to this cause, eventually resulting in his victory in creating the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 (Brooks). Chavez’s work and the union he left behind is a step towards economic and political standing for a group that was systematically exploited by our government and many of its people. America is working towards becoming a country that not only accepts diversity, but encourages it. Chavez’s work has helped millions in gaining the rights they deserve as laborers, and hopefully this trend will continue in creating more opportunities for Latinos and all

people.
In order to break the cycle of poverty many Americans face it is imperative that opportunity and equal access to those opportunities be available for all segments of society. It is especially important to reachout to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who have historically been denied opportunity. Society must work on creating more opportunities for minorities in order to help bridge the gap of inequalities that exist in America. These opportunities include helping minorities gain access to a proper education, work programs, as well as creating new legislation to prevent minorities exploitation. Hopefully, the US will continue to diversify as a nation of acceptance, opportunity and tolerance.