The Experience of Mexican Immigrants in the Early 20th Century

Because of laws restricting immigration from other countries, Mexicans were allowed to immigrate at rates that other immigrant groups were not. This led to a large amount of Mexican immigrants, comparatively. This concerned European Americans, many of whom desired racial homogeneity-- or at least dominance. A petition of educators in 1927 led to Mexico’s inclusion in the quota system and restricted their immigration going forward. Many feared that European Americans would lose their position of dominance in society and a more racially diverse America would emerge. The Great Depression also contributed to the level of racism among white Americans as job insecurity increased and, again, people in lower economic classes were pitted against each other in competition for work. Many Mexicans were “repatriated,” including many who were American citizens.

Today’s political atmosphere continues to demonize immigrant labor as “taking work from American citizens.” Such language seems to be thinly veiled racism, as Latin American immigrants face the brunt of this discrimination. While in the past, Mexican and other Latin American immigrants could easily cross over the American border, border security has increased to levels which make undocumented immigration very difficult. Walls and security fences have been erected, patrols of armed law enforcement are a dominant presence along the border, and civilian militia threaten immigrants in some areas. Similarly, in different times, immigrant labor has been encouraged as a way to industrialize America and complete government projects; in today’s world of financial insecurity and increasing divide between rich and poor, dialogue seems to parallel the scapegoating that existed during the Great Depression-- many Americans feel that undocumented labor threatens the financial well being of citizens (the subtext amounting to “white Americans”).