Originally printed in . . .

Photo Gallery

Fifty years ago, absorption of U.S. labor by the World War II effort led to creation of the "Bracero Program," through which Mexican citizens contracted for employment on U.S. farms as nonimmigrant guestworkers. Photographs taken in the program's first year recorded steps in the contracting process, which at that time began with waiting outside a soccer stadium in Mexico City. These men had learned through newspapers and word of mouth about the opportunity to work in the United States. Many had been standing for five days and five nights when the photo was taken.

A large area inside the stadium included stations for processing by U.S. Immigration, Mexican Immigration, and Social Security Administration (for railroad but not farm work recruits); issuance of ration books and train tickets; preparation of contracts; and official stamping of documents.

First step was the line-up for smallpox vaccinations administered by nurses. Not just anybody could walk in here. Every man in line had to have already obtained a paper from the Mexican government.

At the Selection Unit typists initiated forms for workers. The men were questioned about their agricultural experience. A preliminary examination was made for calluses on their hands and other indications of agricultural work.

Physical examinations began with line-up for a chest x-ray.

Medical staff included doctors from both the U.S. and Mexican Federal Health Departments. Examination went from head to toe.

Applicants were photographed in groups of four. Each man received an identification card containing his picture.

After the physical examination, men assembled in the bleachers to hear the terms of their work contracts. A labor department official explained the work contract, paragraph by paragraph, in Spanish.

The men then went back inside to sign contracts in quadruplicate. One copy each went to the worker, U.S. Immigration, Mexican Immigration, and the eventual U.S. employer.

Fingerprints were taken for the contract and the identification card.

Signed contracts were processed in the U.S. Immigration Alien Registration Unit.

Workers also had their contracts processed by the Mexican Immigration Department.

Newly contracted workers received ration books that they or their employers would need to purchase food and other life necessities in the United States.

The waiting, examinations, explanations, and paper work complete, workers reached a final table to have their papers checked and organized.

At the end of the line all papers, ration books, and forms were taken from the workers. Portions were put into an official envelope that served as passport and transportation ticket to the U.S. border.

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	Fifty years ago, absorption of U.S. labor by the World War II effort led to creation of the "Bracero Program," through which Mexican citizens contracted for employment on U.S. farms as nonimmigrant guestworkers. Photographs taken in the program's first year recorded steps in the contracting process, which at that time began with waiting outside a soccer stadium in Mexico City. These men had learned through newspapers and word of mouth about the opportunity to work in the United States. Many had been standing for five days and five nights when the photo was taken.
	A large area inside the stadium included stations for processing by U.S. Immigration, Mexican Immigration, and Social Security Administration (for railroad but not farm work recruits); issuance of ration books and train tickets; preparation of contracts; and official stamping of documents.
	First step was the line-up for smallpox vaccinations administered by nurses. Not just anybody could walk in here. Every man in line had to have already obtained a paper from the Mexican government.

	At the Selection Unit typists initiated forms for workers. The men were questioned about their agricultural experience. A preliminary examination was made for calluses on their hands and other indications of agricultural work.
	Physical examinations began with line-up for a chest x-ray.
	Medical staff included doctors from both the U.S. and Mexican Federal Health Departments. Examination went from head to toe.
	Applicants were photographed in groups of four. Each man received an identification card containing his picture.
	After the physical examination, men assembled in the bleachers to hear the terms of their work contracts. A labor department official explained the work contract, paragraph by paragraph, in Spanish.
	The men then went back inside to sign contracts in quadruplicate. One copy each went to the worker, U.S. Immigration, Mexican Immigration, and the eventual U.S. employer.
	Fingerprints were taken for the contract and the identification card.
	Signed contracts were processed in the U.S. Immigration Alien Registration Unit.
	Workers also had their contracts processed by the Mexican Immigration Department.
	Newly contracted workers received ration books that they or their employers would need to purchase food and other life necessities in the United States.
	The waiting, examinations, explanations, and paper work complete, workers reached a final table to have their papers checked and organized.
	At the end of the line all papers, ration books, and forms were taken from the workers. Portions were put into an official envelope that served as passport and transportation ticket to the U.S. border.