Mexican Immigration
by Marina LeBlanc
The Mexicans maintained their own culture through a new type of music called "corrido." This was a story telling type of music. It often told the ideas that were expressed in newspapers and current events in song form. These songs have been passed from one singer to another, and today they still live on.
Most mexicans left Mexico to find work. They needed to support their families. Many mexicans came to the United States to work for a while, and then go back home and bring their families money. When many Mexicans come to the U.S. to work they are forced to leave behind their families and girlfriends, and sacrifice time with them. Another reason mexicans came to the U.S was in hopes of finding a better future and life. They also come for the better schooling systems that are offered in the U.S
Many Mexicans lived in the Southern and Western parts of North America before the United States even existed. In 1598 the Mexicans arrived in present day New Mexico. By 1610 they had founded the city of Santa Fe. By the 1800's Spain was governing Mexico as a colony. In 1821 Mexico gained its independance from Spain. In 1846 everything began to change for the Mexicans. War broke out between Mexico and the U.S. Mexico lost. Both nations signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which gave the winning nation very large amounts of land. The U.S. also recieved more land from the Mexicans in 1854 when the U.S. gave the Mexican government ten million dollars for what is now southern Arizona and New Mexico. This is how many Mexican citizens came to live in the United States.
Why did
they come
here?
In what ways
did they maintain
their culture?
Arrival of the Mexicans
Over the years Mexicans have become one of the most influencial social, and cultural groups in our country. The Mexican culture has brought a number of "firsts" to America. For example the first university in North America was founded in Mexico City. The first printing press originated in Mexico. This was in 1538, almost more then a century before printing came to New England. Mexico is also the place where it is believed the first thanksgiving held place. It is very likely the the Mexican American culture will continue to impact and shape the U.S. in years to come. The Mexicans have influence on language, politics, food, and daily living and help to shape our nations identity.
Contributions to
America
Many current day Mexicans travel to the U.S. over the border illegally. They often travel in cars, hoping they won't get stopped by police men and sent back home. Once the Mexicans are over the border they go to the airport and fly to their destination. There are smugglers waiting for them, who help them get through the airport and give them a place to stay. Illegal Mexican immigrants are often nervous when they travel because they are afraid of getting caught and sent back home.
In 1942 The Bracero Program was put into effect. Four million Mexican peasants came to work in the U.S. nation as farm laborers. These workers were able to make our American fields into some of the best on the planet. The Mexican workers were highly skilled in agricultural labor. However soon the Mexicans had to find another way of survival because the government issued Opperation Wetback in 1964. This stated that all Mexicans who were previously brought into the U.S. to work had to be deported back to Mexico.
The Bracero Program
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