Border Towns 1900-1930

Opportunity for a Better Life

       The early twentieth century saw a sharp rise in Mexican immigration into the American Southwest. The increased movement on the west helped to build up the west and provided much needed labor support. World War I had slowed down the influx of European immigrants leaving hole in the labor field. Early twentieth century saw a retreat toward restrictionism beliefs barring immigration coming from the coasts. However, the new isolationist laws did not apply at the northern and southern borders. The was a steady rise in immigration from Mexico beginning in the 1900 and peaking sharply in the 1920’s. The modernization of the American West also created plenty of job opportunities for immigrants looking to make a high wage. The need for laborers created a disproportionate number between male and female immigrants between 1900 and the early 1930’s. A majority of the Mexican immigrants that came into the US were young men seeking to earn enough money to take back home to Mexico. The US was only a temporary home providing these men a chance to create a better life back in their home country. In the 1920’s it is believed that every three in four men ended up returning to Mexico. It was an especially popular practice for Mexican immigrants since they just had to cross the border unlike European immigrants who had to cross an ocean. By the 1930’s though more female migration was commonplace, and the US saw establishments of “colonias” throughout the southwest but also up into the mid-west as well.
         
   Through the implementation of the Chinese Exclusion Act in the late nineteenth century the US restricted all entry for Chinese immigrants. While this meant the Pacific borders were closed many incoming Chinese were able to find ways around the exclusionist law. There was a lot of turmoil in early 1910’s in China leading to many Chinese wanting to come west for a better life and opportunity. Some of these Chinese immigrants first resided in Mexico until Mexico went through their own revolution forcing many to fear for their lives. Many Chinese workers between 1917-1921 attempted to enter the US but were not welcomed leaving many to feel stateless. However, these were not just regular immigrants seeking work these were asylum seekers. The Mexican Revolution left these laborers in danger and as such they looked toward the north for safety. Considering the US still not want to accept Chinese immigration asylum policy was created to protect those in imminent danger. Chinese asylum seekers were forced into detention centers where they were eventually allowed to work under the supervision of the US Military. For some immigrants the US proved to be lucrative and benefited their lives, but for others it was a constant struggle. Immigrants and asylum seekers alike knew that moving north would provide a protection and stability that could often not be found in their home countries.
 

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