Bracero Stories

Monday, September 21, 2009 at 10:00 PM on KCET

Bracero Stories explores the personal experiences of five former "guest workers" in the controversial U.S.-Mexican bracero program, which granted temporary work contracts to several million Mexican laborers between 1942 and 1964. Their stories are interwoven and illustrated with archival materials, creating a composite narrative of the "bracero" experience.

Interviews with other participants in the program assess its effectiveness and lasting impact. These discussions mirror and inform current debates about immigration and the role of imported labor in our economic development.



Comments

I would like to have a copy the braceros stories program, I saw the featuring last week and they showed a comment about how to get a copy of this show. I would really like to obtain a copy can you send me the information on how I go about doing that. Thank you

Very nice effort, but kind of outdated. What about the people and events that are happening here and now? It seem that it is very comfortable to explore events that are in the past and avoid the realities of the present.

It might have been outdated; however, my father worked as a bracero during that time and it was his reality. He worked very hard and thanks to his labor all of his 8 children are doing very well in this country. Most of us graduated from college and have very successful careers. We were never on any hand outs from the government meaning Welfare or food stamps. It was touching and very emotional watching this program and to think that today many people crossing the border want the same opportunities for their children. It nice to see that my father today lives a very good life being retired and traveling the world. This is truly a successful story.

It might have been outdated; however, my father worked as a bracero during that time and it was his reality. He worked very hard and thanks to his labor all of his 8 children are doing very well in this country. Most of us graduated from college and have very successful careers. We were never on any hand outs from the government meaning Welfare or food stamps. It was touching and very emotional watching this program and to think that today many people crossing the border want the same opportunities for their children. It nice to see that my father today lives a very good life being retired and traveling the world. This is truly a successful story.

It might have been outdated; however, my father worked as a bracero during that time and it was his reality. He worked very hard and thanks to his labor all of his 8 children are doing very well in this country. Most of us graduated from college and have very successful careers. We were never on any hand outs from the government meaning Welfare or food stamps. It was touching and very emotional watching this program and to think that today many people crossing the border want the same opportunities for their children. It nice to see that my father today lives a very good life being retired and traveling the world. This is truly a successful story.

Hi there,

You can purchase the documentary at:
http://www.cherrylaneproductions.com/store/bracero_buy.html

There is another documentary on Braceros from Oregon Experience at:
http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=2961624&cp=&kw=bracero

And if you want to browse more online, there is an online section on Braceros from the documentary "California at War":
http://kcet.org/californiaatwar/ourselves.php

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