Repatriation, 1930 s • 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.
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 other benefits • C. Settlement colonies arranged, southern Mexico. • D. Duty-free entrance to Mexico • E. Lazaro Cardenas (1934 -1940), land distributions.