Expansion & continuing struggles Civil Rights Expansion & continuing struggles

Latino Immigration Surges Beginning in 1942, Mexican immigrants came to the U.S., under the bracero (farmhand) program. The bracero program granted Mexican migrants temporary guest worker status. Over the next 25 years, more than 4 million Mexican migrants entered the U.S. The bracero program played a crucial role in sustaining American agriculture during and after WWII.

Latino Immigration Surges Braceros who outstayed their work permits were targeted for deportation in the 1950s. In 1965, the Immigration & Nationality Act was passed eliminating national- origin quotes for immigrants. After the passage of this act, more than 400,000 Mexicans arrived in the U.S. Many of these were Cuban and Dominican immigrants seeking political asylum from the rule of dictators of Fidel Castro and Rafael Trujillo. Fidel Castro Rafael Trujillo Bracero workers, 1950s

Chicano Movement Like African-Americans, Mexican Americans faced discrimination, racism, and exploitation in the U.S.

Chicano Movement Hector P. Garcia, a surgeon & WWII veteran established the American G.I. Forum to battle discrimination. Garcia noticed that Mexican Americans in Texas were barred from many public places and faced discrimination in voting and employment.

Chicano Movement In 1949, Garcia learned a local Texas funeral home refused to allow its chapel to be used by a family of a Mexican American soldier who had been killed in WWII. Garcia organized a highly publicized burial at Arlington National Cemetery for the solider. Dr. Garcia became the first Mexican American to serve on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Chicano Movement Cesar Chavez was the most influential Latino activist in the 1960s & 1970s who encouraged nonviolent means to gain equality. Chavez fought for rights for farm laborers who were among the most exploited workers in the nation. Chavez organized the migrant farm laborers in California. Chavez also started a group that supported farm workers’ rights and demanded fair wages and better working conditions.

Chicano Movement Chavez organized nation-wide consumer boycotts and participated in hunger strikes.

Chicano Movement Dolores Huerta founded the Agricultural Workers Association which organized voter registration drives and worked to improve Hispanic neighborhoods. In 1962, Huerta helped Cesar Chavez form the National Farm Workers Association which would later become the United Farm Workers (UFW).

Chicano Movement Huerta spent her life used non-violent methods to gain legislation to extend aid to the families of farm workers. In the 1980s, Huerta expanded her efforts to include women’s rights, environmental protection, and immigration policies. In 2012, Huerta was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by President Obama.

Chicano Mural Movement This movement was dedicated to increasing Latinos’ awareness of their history and culture. Mexican American culture was celebrated through painting murals in barrios (ethnic neighborhoods) throughout the Southwest in the 1960s.

Other Chicano Efforts In Texas, Jose Angel Gutierrez organized the political party, La Raza Unida. The party worked for better housing and jobs, and successfully supported Latino political candidates.

American Indian Movement In 1953, the federal government had transferred its responsibility for American Indians living on reservations to the states. States lacked the funds to provide the same level of services as provided by federal government. The American Indian Movement mobilized and sought greater respect for their heritage.

American Indian Movement In 1963, the federal government reversed its policy and began encouraging tribal life on the reservations. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination against Native Americans. In 1970, President Nixon announced the federal government would honor its treaty obligations.

American Indian Movement Under the slogan - “RED POWER” - AIM introduced the term “Native American.” AIM protested against textbooks, t.v. shows & movies that showed anti-American Indian bias. AIM temporarily occupied government monuments on Alcatraz Island and at Wounded Knee, South Dakota.