The Bracero Program - Rafael Morales

Summary

Rafael Morales Mendoza shares his journey from his hometown of Tequixtepec, Oaxaca, to the United States in search of work. Leaving in 1950, he endured a challenging six-day train ride to Mexicali and later worked under difficult conditions as a bracero in California. Despite the hardships, including his previous experience as a young worker making adobes, he persevered. He eventually found work picking prunes in Santa Rosa and faced the uncertainty of having only fifty cents to his name, yet was helped by a fellow worker, highlighting the struggle and resilience of immigrant laborers in the mid-20th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rafael Morales Mendoza shares his name and explains how Mexicans use both the father's and mother's last names.
• 😀 He was raised in Tequixtepec, a town in the district of Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, Mexico, and went to school there.
• 😀 Rafael decided to leave his hometown in search of better opportunities, especially for earning a living, and his wife supported his decision.
• 😀 He left his home on October 4, 1950, and traveled to various towns, eventually reaching Tehuacán, then continued his journey by train.
• 😀 The train journey from Guadalajara to Mexicali took six days, due to the slow speed of the train and uncomfortable conditions.
• 😀 Upon arriving at Mexicali, Rafael was tired and sick but learned about bracero contracts available at the border.
• 😀 Rafael worked in Stockton, California, where labor conditions were tough, and the workers had to use a short hoe for long hours.
• 😀 He recalls his childhood experience of making adobes (bricks), which led to a severe injury when a chunk of adobe fell on him, breaking his leg and back.
• 😀 Rafael's work in the Imperial Valley with a hoe was difficult for him, especially given his past injury.
• 😀 He eventually met a group of workers in Stockton and was offered a chance to work picking prunes in Santa Rosa, California, which he accepted with his two friends.
• 😀 When he arrived at Grace Ranch, he only had fifty cents to his name. A fellow Mexican worker helped him find food, and the boss kindly provided dinner for him and his friends.

Q & A

What motivated Rafael to leave his hometown in Oaxaca, Mexico?

Rafael was motivated by the difficulty of making a living in his hometown of Tequixtepec, leading him to seek better opportunities in the north, specifically in the United States.

How did Rafael's wife respond to his decision to migrate north?

Rafael's wife supported his decision, giving him the approval to go, as she believed it was the right choice for their future.

What challenges did Rafael face during his journey from Oaxaca to the border in Mexicali?

Rafael faced a long and uncomfortable journey, taking six days to travel by train from Guadalajara to Mexicali. The train was slow, the seats were old and uncomfortable, and there were no good places to sleep.

What was the condition of the train Rafael traveled on during his journey?

The train was slow and had old, uncomfortable seats. It was a tough ride, and Rafael was physically exhausted and somewhat ill by the time he reached Mexicali.

What kind of work did Rafael do in the United States after arriving in Mexicali?

Rafael worked under the bracero program in Stockton, California, where he performed physically demanding labor, particularly using a hoe in the fields.

What memory from Rafael's childhood is referenced in the transcript?

Rafael recalls making adobe bricks as a child, a memory tied to the hard work he did in his hometown, which made his later labor in the fields even more difficult.

How did Rafael manage to secure a job in Santa Rosa?

Rafael met a group of workers who were headed to Santa Rosa to pick prunes. After speaking to their boss, Rafael was able to join them, along with two friends.

What was Rafael’s financial situation when he first arrived at Grace Ranch?

Rafael had only fifty cents in his pocket when he arrived at Grace Ranch, and he was hungry but unable to afford food.

How did Rafael get food when he was hungry at Grace Ranch?

A fellow Mexican worker at Grace Ranch arranged for the boss to buy dinner for Rafael and the others, ensuring they didn't need to spend the little money they had.

How did Rafael describe his work in the fields in Stockton, California?

Rafael described the work as very hard, especially because it involved using a hoe and bending over for long hours, which was physically taxing.