Bracero Program and Mexican Migration

The video explores the Bracero Program, a labor initiative that brought 4.8 million Mexican workers to the US between 1942 and 1964. It highlights the economic imperialism that displaced Mexican peasants, leading to migration for better opportunities. The program formalized this migration but resulted in exploitation and poor working conditions for the laborers. Activists like Ben Yellen and Cesar Chavez fought for workers' rights, leaving a legacy that continues to impact labor discussions today.

What was the primary reason for the migration of 4.8 million people from Mexico to the U.S. between 1942 and 1964?

• To participate in the Bracero Program

• To pursue higher education

• To escape political persecution

• To join the U.S. military

What major infrastructure development in Mexico led to the displacement of peasants?

• Construction of highways

• Expansion of urban areas

• Development of airports

• Building of a national railroad network

Why did the Mexican government express concern about the Bracero Program?

• Due to environmental impacts

• Because of the rights of its workers

• Due to political pressure from the U.S.

• Because of economic losses

What was the main reason for the continuation of Mexican migration to the U.S. despite harsh conditions?

• Better economic opportunities

• Political asylum

• Family reunification

• Educational prospects

What was a common practice by companies involved in the Bracero Program?

• Providing free housing

• Offering educational opportunities

• Withholding wages and issuing fake payroll slips

• Granting citizenship to workers

Who was Ben Yellen and what was his role in the Bracero Program?

• A political activist and physician who challenged the system

• A U.S. senator

• A Mexican government official

• A farm owner benefiting from the program

What was the role of camp doctors in the Bracero Program?

• To ensure workers' rights

• To conduct research on migrant health

• To align with landowners and provide inadequate care

• To provide free healthcare

What was the ultimate purpose of the Bracero Program according to the transcript?

• To promote cultural exchange

• To improve U.S.-Mexico relations

• To provide education to Mexican workers

• To serve the interests of American corporations

What percentage of farm workers in California were of Mexican origin in 2010?

• 100%

• 50%

• 75%

• 95%

What is highlighted as important in the legacy of the Bracero Program?

• Focusing solely on economic growth

• Ignoring the stories of the powerless

• Seeking out and retelling the stories of the powerless

• Promoting agricultural technology