Mexican Repatriation

Definition

Mexican repatriation refers to the mass deportation of Mexican Americans and Mexican nationals from the United States during the 1930s, primarily driven by economic hardship and anti-Mexican sentiment during the Great Depression. This period saw many individuals being forced to return to Mexico, often under coercive circumstances, impacting communities across California and other states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mexican Repatriation led to the forced return of an estimated 1 million people of Mexican descent to Mexico, including U.S. citizens who were born in America.
2. Local, state, and federal authorities played a role in the repatriation efforts, often using coercive tactics to pressure individuals into leaving.
3. Many families were split apart during the repatriation process, as some members were U.S. citizens while others were not.
4. The movement was fueled by rising unemployment rates and the belief that repatriating Mexicans would free up jobs for white Americans.
5. The legacy of Mexican repatriation continues to affect Mexican American communities today, influencing perceptions of immigration and citizenship.

Review Questions

• How did economic factors contribute to the occurrence of Mexican repatriation during the 1930s?
  • Economic factors played a significant role in the occurrence of Mexican repatriation as the Great Depression created widespread unemployment and financial instability across the United States. With many Americans struggling to find work, there was a prevailing belief that deporting Mexicans would open up job opportunities for white Americans. As a result, this economic desperation led to heightened anti-Mexican sentiments and ultimately prompted local and federal authorities to initiate repatriation efforts.
• Evaluate the impact of Mexican repatriation on families and communities of Mexican descent in the U.S.
  • Mexican repatriation had a profound impact on families and communities of Mexican descent in the United States, as many families were forcibly separated. Some members were U.S. citizens while others were not, leading to complex situations where individuals had to leave their homes and communities behind. This mass deportation not only disrupted social networks but also instilled fear among those who remained, creating a lingering distrust of government institutions and affecting community cohesion.
• Analyze how the events surrounding Mexican repatriation reflect broader patterns of immigration policy and social attitudes towards immigrants in American history.
  • The events surrounding Mexican repatriation illustrate broader patterns of immigration policy and social attitudes toward immigrants throughout American history, particularly during times of economic turmoil. The coercive nature of these deportations highlights how economic concerns can lead to discriminatory practices against specific immigrant groups. Additionally, this episode reveals a recurring theme in U.S. history where immigrants are scapegoated during challenging times, reflecting societal anxieties about job competition and cultural differences that persist in contemporary discussions on immigration.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship, which exacerbated anti-immigrant sentiments in the U.S.

Bracero Program:

A series of agreements between the U.S. and Mexico from 1942 to 1964 that allowed Mexican laborers to work temporarily in the U.S., often as a response to labor shortages during World War II.

Anti-Mexican Sentiment: Negative attitudes and prejudices directed toward Mexicans and Mexican Americans, often fueled by economic competition and cultural differences, particularly during times of economic strain.