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

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

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