The Bracero Program

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Wartime Labor

             In August 1942 Mexico and the United States signed a binational agreement, Public Law 45 and the federal government began to contract with Mexican men for temporary employment in the United States.  The agreement guaranteed, among other things, that the men would be paid a minimum wage; receive health care, adequate housing, and board; and not be subject to social discrimination.

           In Oregon the Bracero Program, was administered by the state college at Corvallis and by federal labor officials.  In the next five years approximately 15,136 braceros contracted for farm employment in Oregon.  This was a very potent and effective labor force.