The Repatriation Program1930-1940

Repatriation, 1930s

• An emergency measure that resulted in the location and deportation of about 1 million Mexicans

• Over half of the deportees were American-born• Only ethnic group in the U.S. to face mass

deportations due to the Great Depression• Deportations occurred from throughout the

Southwest and as far as Chicago• Mexico reluctant, but cooperated with the U.S.

government.

Total Repatriation by Years

• 1929• 1930• 1931• 1932• 1933• 1934• 1935• 1936

• 79, 419• 70, 127• 138, 519• 77,453• 33,574• 23,943• 15, 368• 11, 599

The Rationales for Deportation

• A. High unemployment due to Depression, Mexican presence was viewed as exacerbating

unemployment.• B. Cost of relief/welfare• C. Illegal status of the Mexican immigrants• D. Cost-saving mechanism• E. Mexican immigrants-caused the failure of the

U. S. economy--Pres. Hoover• F. Racial undesirability of the Mexican immigrant• G. “Mexican problem”

The Economic Argument

• Repatriation was viewed as a cost-saving mechanism for the United States taxpayers and the relief system.

• One train load from L.A. county- $77,249.

• Relief during the duration of the Depression- $347,468.

• Accrued savings: $270, 219.

The Mexican government’s responses

• A. Guaranteed paid transportation from border to home state.

• B. Land and other benefits

• C. Settlement colonies arranged, southern Mexico.

• D. Duty-free entrance to Mexico

• E. Lazaro Cardenas (1934-1940), land distributions.