[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 522 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                       October 1, 2002.
Whereas because of a labor shortage resulting from the entry of the United 
        States into World War II, the Federal Government issued contracts to 
        Mexican, Canadian, Jamaican, and Puerto Rican citizens willing to cross 
        into the United States to accept temporary employment;
Whereas hundreds of thousands of these men and women, known as Braceros, labored 
        in the Nation's agricultural, transportation, and other industries 
        during the period from 1942 to 1964;
Whereas the first 1,500 Braceros arrived in California from Mexico City, Mexico, 
        on September 29, 1942, to work in the sugar beet fields until December 
        24 of that year;
Whereas thousands of Braceros labored on the Nation's railroads, maintaining and 
        expanding critical infrastructure for the transportation of food, 
        equipment, and other valuable supplies during and after World War II;
Whereas the heroic work effort of the Braceros has been recognized by many State 
        and local governments around the Nation, but has not been recognized by 
        the Federal Government;
Whereas the Nation and the world owe a debt of gratitude for the contribution 
        the Braceros made to the war effort that defeated fascism in Europe and 
        Asia;
Whereas more than 1,000,000 Braceros and their families or descendants are still 
        United States residents or citizens; and
Whereas September 29, 2002, is the 60th anniversary of the first arrival of 
        Bracero guest workers in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses gratitude for the foreign guest laborers, known as 
        Braceros, who worked in the United States during the period from 1942 to 
        1964; and
            (2) recognizes the Braceros for their contributions to the war 
        effort and for their hard work, which helped to keep the United States 
        strong and prosperous during this challenging period.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.