Interviewee

Rafael Cortez

Interviewer

Efraín de Santos

Project

Bracero Oral History

Biographical Synopsis of Interviewee

Rafael Cortez was born in Acuitzeramo, Michoacán, México; he had thirteen siblings; his father made houses, and in addition, he worked the land and cared for animals; Rafael was formally educated through the fourth grade, during which time he helped his father; in the 1940s, he enlisted in the bracero program; as a bracero, he labored in the fields of California, Colorado and Montana picking apricots, beets, lemons and oranges for a span of roughly ten years; he ultimately immigrated to the United States, and he was able to bring his family with him; in 1998, he became a US citizen.

Summary of Interview

Mr. Cortez talks about his family and childhood; he recalls knowing about the lists of workers eligible to enlist in the bracero program and wanting to go, but his father did not approve; when he finally agreed, Rafael traveled, by bus, with other men from his hometown to the processing center in México, Distrito Federal; many had never been in the city and were shocked; he describes the necessary paperwork, waiting for two months and how they used a system of colored coins; from there he was transported by train to the United States; many men left, because they were afraid of being sent to war; he also recounts the medical exams he underwent at the border; as a bracero, he labored in the fields of California, Colorado and Montana picking apricots, beets, lemons and oranges for a span of roughly ten years; he goes on to detail the various worksites, housing, accommodations, living conditions, provisions, duties, routines, treatment, payments, deductions, remittances, contract lengths and renewals, correspondence and recreational activities, including trips into towns; upon arriving the first time, he was advanced money to buy personal items and toiletries; he earned extra money by charging 50¢ to cut hair; eventually, he was able to save enough money to buy a truck; one of the foremen even taught him how to drive; he also mentions becoming ill and undergoing surgery; although he was not paid during his recovery, he was not charged for food; he ultimately immigrated to the United States and brought his family; in 1998, he became a US citizen.

Date of Interview

10-9-2008

Length of Interview

76 minutes

Tape Number

No. 1410

Transcript Number

No. 1410

Length of Transcript

34 pages

Transcriber

GMR Transcription Service

Interview Number

No. 1410

Terms of Use

Unrestricted

Comments

Transcript is a Draft copy

Interview is in Spanish

Included in

Oral History Commons

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