Migration and Settlement of Mexican Labor in Border Region of Southwest, 1910-1940

FAIN: RO-10581-70

Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (New York, NY 10003-7120)
Arthur H. Corwin (Project Director: July 1970 to present)

Project to complete for publication thorough study of migration and immigration of Mexican labor to US border regions, with special emphasis on illegal immigration and settlement. ABSTRACT: Project to complete for publication thorough study of migration and immigration of Mexican labor to US border regions, with special emphasis on illegal immigration and settlement. PI and two research assistants, one based in Mexico City, will concentrate on acquiring new information on emigration of braceros and "wetbacks" from Mexico to US (for data on such issues as Mexican cooperation in border control before 1940; success of Mexico in attempts to repatriate Mexican "nationals") and historical development of south Texas "migrant-labor pool," largest and most significant area of Mexican settlement in US. Oral history of Mexican migration to be compiled through interviews with immigration officers, veterans, retiree-American and Mexican-and former employers. Will also study histories of early Mexican settlers and information from Mexican archives, such as consular correspondence. By contributing to historical demography and ethnic history of Southwest's largest minority (7 million Mexican-Americans in US), project will have signficance for American immigration studies and for furthering understanding of group important in development of American society and culture.