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Hispanic Immigration Waves
From the late 1800's and early 2000's, waves of Hispanics from Mexico and Puerto Rico migrated to the US in search for work in US industries like agriculture, mining, and railroad. Many people where had importent parts duing these waves including many from the Mexican figures like Cesar Cavez who advocated for the rights of Mexican-American farmworkers. -
Mexican-American War
The Mexican American war was a 4 year war that essentually cut Mexico in half. Once the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ceded large portions of Mexican territory to America, many Mexicans living in that area suddenly became ruled by a different power, becoming US citizens in seconds. President James K. Polk declared war on Mexico sending Gen. Achary Taylor through Mexico to capture Mexico city and win the war. -
The Zoot Suit Riots
These riots took place duint 1943 between young Mexican-Amaricans and US soldiors in Los Angeles because of discrimination, this brought forth important challenges that Hispanics go through assimilation. An importent figure was Henry Lyvas who was the leader of the 38th Street gang who were targeted by US servicemen. After the riots racial tensions increased and impacted on how the US military handals race relations.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Zoot-Suit-Riots?utm_source=chatgpt.com -
The Cuban Revolution
The revolution was done to overthrowing a dictatorial regime that ran Cuba for many years . After the Cuban Revolution, Cubans fled for a better life in the US, espisually in Florida, where they have placed an impressive community. Some importent people who revolted in Cuba was Fidel Castro, the leader of the revolution and later the President of Cuba, and Che Guevara who was a military leader of the revolution. -
The Bracero Program
The US established this program during WWII, which brought over Mexicans to work in agriculture and railroad industries. This caused a sudden spike of Mexican-American communities. This provided cheap labor for these industries, as well as helping shape the Mexican American identity in its communities. Some key players are George P. Shultz who was the US Secretary of Labor and Manuel Avila Camacho who was the President of Mexico from 1940 till 1964.
The Bracero History Archive. -
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965
This federal act ended national-origin quotas that had limited immigration from many Latin American countries. Once the act was put into law, there was a sudden influx of immigration from Latin American countries. Some importent people who advocated for the bill are Rep. Emanuel Celler and Senator Philip A. Hart, the bill is sometimes reffered to as the "Hart-Celler Act". National Archives – Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 -
The Bilingual Education Act
This bill provided federal funding for bilingual education programs in schools all over the nation further supporting Hispanic students. Rep. Peter Rodino strongly advocated for the bill, as well as Senator Rober F. Kennedy who acctually believed that bilingual education was a genuine critical issue. This caused a sudden recognition of linguistic diversity as well as expanding educational access for students that did't speak english.
National Archives: The Bilingual Education Act -
The Chicano Movement
This movement took place during the 1960's till the 1970's, it wanted civil rights, educational reforms, and better working condictions for Hispanics. Some key players during the movement where Cesar Chaves and Dolores Huerta who led the "Grape Strike" in California's Central Valley. This movement led to the transormation of the identity, politics, and communities of Mexican Americans.
"El Movimiento: The Chicano Movement and Hispanic Identity in the United States" -
The DREAM Act
Development,Relief,and education for Alien Minors, which primarily focused on people that were brought to the US as children, however this bill did not pass. However, it heavily influenced the creation of DACA which was put into effect under President Obama in 2012. This caused an increased access of higer education for immigrants. A note worthy preson is Senator Dick Durbin who has been a long time advocate for the DREAM Act and immigrant rights allover the US.
"The DREAM Act by the Numbers" -
Latino Political Influence
Hispanic Americans have become much more politicaly involved than they were years ago. For example immigration policy has changed over rececnt years because of latin inflence which also inclueds the DACA program. They have also been pushing hard and the ability to provide better healthcare access, esspessually in immigrant and low-income communities. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who advoates for progressive movements such as the Green New Deal and Madicare For All.
https://www.house.gov/