The subject of this study is the more or less seasonal influx of Mexican (bracero) laborers to work in agriculture in California between 1942 and 1960. The migration began as a joint effort between the governments of Mexico and the United States to ease the manpower shortage created by World War II. Dire needs of these migrants, and their…

CALIFORNIA FARM LABOR PROBLEMS INCLUDE LIMITED WORK OPPORTUNITY, LOW EARNINGS, LITTLE ECONOMIC SECURITY, POOR HEALTH, HOUSING, AND EDUCATION, AND UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS. REPRESENTATIVES OF ORGANIZED LABOR RECOMMEND ESTABLISHING A STATE MINIMUM WAGE LAW TO COVER ALL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL WORKERS, AND ALSO EXTENDING FEDERAL STATUS TO…

Programs sponsored by the U.S. Office of Economic Opportunity for unskilled, under-educated migrant and seasonal farm workers are summarized. It is emphasized that these programs have their major thrust in preparing breadwinners for upgraded jobs and in preparing entire farm worker families for adjustment to the way of life that new jobs will…