The Repatriation Program 1930-1940

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.