From 1942 to 1964, the United States had laws that said workers from Mexico could come to the United States. The Bracero Program set rules for employers who wanted to hire those workers. Both countries benefitted.

Mexico: In the early 1940s, after not getting along for many years, the two countries became friends. Mexico’s industries grew. Workers near cities prospered. But Mexicans living in tiny villages far from factories actually became poorer. They needed work.

United States: The United States needed more laborers for many reasons. War was one. When the United States entered World War II, men had to leave jobs to become soldiers.

Supplying the war effort created a lot of work. It took millions of laborers to provide the U.S. military with weapons, food, and supplies. World War II was demanding. It boosted businesses and industries of all kinds in the United States.

Why did the Bracero Program end? In the 1950s and 60s, farm workers in the United States were joining together in groups. They had demands: "Better pay!" "Better working conditions!" But these groups knew employers would ignore them. Why? The employers could hire workers from Mexico. It was easy. It didn't cost much. American farm worker leaders argued against the Bracero Program. In 1964, lawmakers agreed: The largest guest worker program in U.S. history would come to an end.

• The Bracero Program began in 1942. It had only 4,203 workers. It reached its highest number in 1956. It had 445,197 workers then.

• The guest worker program spanned five presidencies. America also fought in three wars during that time.

• When the program began, workers could make as little as 30 cents an hour. By the time it ended in 1964, the minimum wage was $1.25. Still doesn't sound like much, right? But remember—a gallon of milk cost just 50 cents then!