Soy Bracero

Between 1942 and 1964, men from different parts of Mexico left their landsand families seeking an opportunity for prosperity in the Unites States asBraceros. Their job was to work the agricultural fields of the United Stateswhile American citizens manufactured weapons or joined the fighting lines ofWWII. Braceros were instrumental in placing the U.S. as an agricultural power.

While Braceros were in the U.S. they encountered poor working and livingconditions, not to mention despotism, cruelty, and racism from foremen, ranchers,authorities, and residents of the United States alike.

My grandfather, Eleuterio Vazquez Sanchez, left his town in the state of Jalisco,Mexico around 1954 to try his fortune in the United States as a Bracero. He lefthis wife, my grandmother, their three daughters, and his land behind for a chanceat a better life. His departure not only affected him; it affected my grandmotherand their children.