| Summary: | "After the Braceros" examines how Mexican immigration was transformed between 1964 and 1986 from a bilateral issue between Mexico and the United States, into an American domestic issue of ethnic politics. In doing so, it traces how immigration reform in the US came to be understood as a Hispanic issue. These years were characterized by a rise in undocumented immigration from Mexico, as temporary work permits were eliminated, and new restrictions were placed on immigrant visas. After two decades of unprecedented growth, the Mexican economy faltered, leading many to seek work abroad. Despite increased restrictions on the entry of Mexican immigrants, the American demand for foreign workers remained unabated. The continued availability of jobs for people who lacked legal contracts to work in the US, led to the transformation of former seasonal guest workers into undocumented immigrants. It also led to a change in terminology from migrant worker to "illegal" immigrant. The change in language illustrated the characterization of Mexican seasonal workers as a national problem, based on the notion that Mexican workers were immigrants who created social and economic burdens for the US.
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