Given recent changes to and interpretations of US immigration policy, it is pertinent for US citizens to understand the history of American immigration agreements and programs. One such program implemented in the mid-20th century, the US Bracero Program, brought millions of guest workers to the United States from  Mexico. Even in its time, the Bracero Program was controversial, yet officials may still be considering it as a model for new programs.

The Attallah College of Educational Studies and Orange County Racial Justice Collaborative invite you to a screening of “Harvest of Loneliness: The Bracero Program” at Chapman University’s Centro Comunitario de Educación in Santa Ana on November 22, 2019, from 6:00–8:30 pm. The documentary screening will be followed by a Q&A session with one of the film’s directors, Gilbert G. Gonzalez, Ph.D.

About the Film

“Harvest of Loneliness” offers historical accounts of the US Bracero Program, a guest worker program that recruited men from Mexico to work in the fields from 1942–1964. The film was produced and directed by filmmaker Vivian Price and Dr. Gilbert Gonzalez.

At the time the US Bracero Program was implemented, the United States asserted that the program’s purpose was to ease wartime labor shortages during World War II. However, the program continued after the war, and the filmmakers concluded that the program’s agenda was to undermine unionization and secure a ready supply of workers willing to work for a tiny amount of money under difficult circumstances.

As depicted in the film, the US Bracero Program disregarded the welfare of the workers involved. The current US immigration policy is facing similar criticisms. Thus, it is crucial for our society to be aware and attentive of the negative implications and consequences that resulted from such programs in the past.

About the Event

This event is free and open to the public. All are invited to learn more about the film and join in a community discussion about US immigration policy, past and present.

Note the majority of “Harvest of Loneliness” is in Spanish with English subtitles. Smaller portions are in English with no subtitles. Translation services will be available for Spanish speakers.