SOUTHWEST GOVERNORS CALL FOR REVIVAL OF BRACERO PROGRAM

Led by Arizona Gov. Jane Hull, many political leaders in southwestern states are calling for a revival of the bracero program, once used to bring in temporary workers from Mexico.  Those who support the re-creation of the program point to the seemingly unstoppable flow of illegal immigration and the tight labor market in the US.

Not everyone, however, feels a revival of the program is a good idea.  The bracero program, which was begun in 1942 to replace US workers who were fighting in World War II, ended in the 1960s following the release of a well-known documentary “Harvest of Shame,” in which noted journalist Edward R. Murrow focused on the abuses of the program.  The conditions for workers in the bracero program were often harsh, and when workers would complain, employers would call the INS and have them deported. 

Many also criticize the bracero program for creating patterns of immigration that remained in place after the program was ended, leading to high levels of illegal immigration to and from certain regions. 

Some estimate the number of undocumented workers currently in agriculture at 600,000, almost 37% of all agricultural workers in the country.  By contrast, there are only 18,000 workers in the US on H-2A visas, the only temporary farmworker visa program available.

< Back | Next >

Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.