Bracero Program

On August 4, 1942, Mexico and the United States signed a historic agreement. Widely known as the U.S.-Mexico Bracero Program (1942–64), it was the largest guest worker program created during the 20th century. Lasting 22 years, it was initially proposed as a temporary labor program for the duration of World War II. It was extended several times before it was ended in 1964. More than 4.6 million contracts were signed. The ramifications of the program remain today. Former guest workers, also known as braceros, are retired or too elderly to remain active in the labor market. Former braceros can now be found settled in the United States or in Mexico. Initially administered by the Farm Security Administration, the program was switched over to several other ...