Chapter 12

            Prior to reading chapter 12, I had absolutely no idea what the repatriation program was. I found that the whole process was very interesting and question whether or not it was really voluntary. Since the U.S. was struggling with the Great Depression, it did seem logical that the government was trying to move people out. Also, it was likely that some Mexican Americans, with or without citizenship, did choose to cross the border because of the lack of job openings. But there’s a part of me that doubts the government’s definition of “voluntary;” it wouldn’t surprise me if they pulled a few strings to force some Mexican Americans towards the south, across the border.

What I also noted was the different ethnic groups that immigrated to America throughout history. There was never a specific group that I felt most sympathy towards because every group had their own stories of hardships. The Chinese, Irish, Mexicans, etc. all had their fair share at working in occupations that were dangerous with low pay. It just shows that all immigrants had to pass through a time of discrimination and suffering before they could gradually be accepted in society.