Introduction
Migrant laborers are presently and have historically been a source of labor in the United States. Migrant laborers can be found working in cities and in the countryside. In the cities some work as jornaleros (day laborers), who seek work on designated street corners. Jornaleros do all kinds of work; including construction, roofing, painting, and gardening. Migrant workers in rural areas are mainly working on farms.
This web page presents the history and present situation of migrant workers from Latin America who are living and working in the US. The history of undocumented migrant workers is presented to understand why they have become undocumented and why they continue to cross the border to meet the demand for workers. I provide information on the Bracero Program, undocumented immigrant statistics, and INS regulations.
A photo essay of migrant farmworkers provides images of some of the working and living conditions of migrant farm workers. I have also created a page with a photo essay of the method of labor exchange of jornaleros in Portland, Oregon.
Music is a source of inspiration and insight into the working and living conditions of migrant workers. I provide a page of a song from the turn of the century that are sung by migrant workers. I also provide a page with a song from jornaleros, that sings of the struggle between undocumented migrant workers and the US government.
All of these pages may be reached through the links below.
LINKS
Latin American Migrant History