Interviewer
Mario Sifuentes
Project
Bracero Oral History
Biographical Synopsis of Interviewee
Jose Aguilar was born in Casa Blanca Michoacán, México; he was one of the youngest of eleven siblings; his parents worked the fields where he grew up; he also began working in the fields and with the animals at a very young age and consequently dropped out of school; later, in 1959 he became a bracero and worked the lettuce, beetroot, cucumber, and tomato fields on different cities in Arizona and California; after finishing his last contract he remained in the United States until he was able to become an American citizen.
Summary of Interview
Mr. Aguilar talks about his hometown and what life was growing up working in agriculture with his family; he recalls that his father and two of his brothers were bracero workers; in 1954, he came to work illegally to the United States; in 1959 he officially went through the process of being a bracero; he briefly describes the hiring process, including the harsh conditions they had to endure and the medical examinations; as a bracero he completed several contracts where he labored in lettuce, beetroot, green beans, tomato, and cucumber fields, in Arizona, and different cities in California; in addition, he describes the living conditions, payments, friendships, treatment, correspondence, transportation, and recreational activities with the other braceros; after finishing his last contract he remained in the United States until, with the help of his boss, he was able to become an American citizen; Mr. Aguilar concludes that that the experience had a very positive impact in his life.
Date of Interview
5-20-2006
Length of Interview
40 minutes
Listen to the Interview
Tape Number
No. 1203
Transcript Number
No. 1203
Length of Transcript
32 pages
Interview Number
No. 1203
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Jose Aguilar by Mario Sifuentes, 2006, "Interview no. 1203," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.
Comments
Interview in Spanish.