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The Chicano Movement and the Struggle for Immigrant Rights By Jimmy Patiño, Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Associate Professor Chicano & Latino Studies and UCSD Alumnus Historically, the Chicano Movement mostly remained silent on the issue of Mexican immigration until the late 1960s. After the Bracero program ended in 1964, immigration numbers increased because of the labor needs created. The perceived threat of immigrants taking “American” jobs caught public attention. Chicano activists had pursued civil rights, education, and economic development matters but were often ambivalent, dismissive, and hostile toward immigrants.
Raza Si, Migra No! Beginning in 1968, Chicanos joined the immigration debate, not as advocates for “immigrants,” but as defenders of victimized Mexican immigrants, whom they came to regard as part of “La Raza” part of their community. That perspective planted the seeds of the modern immigrant rights movement. Chicano activists adopted the slogan: “Raza Si, Migra No!” (Our People Yes, Border Patrol No!). In 1968, members of the Centro de Acción Social Autónomo (CASA), began advocating for migrant rights in Los Angeles. CASA founders influenced San Diego organizations such as the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA), La Raza Unida Party, and others to open a CASA chapter in the San Diego area called CASA Justicia. These organizations began pressuring local, regional, and federal governments to address immigration-related human right violations. Soon these organizations melded into the Committee on Chicano Rights (CCR).
But Chicanos could no longer ignore the way undocumented Mexicans were being scapegoated by local and national media. Growing instances of brutality and uncivil treatment of Mexican immigrants by law enforcement officials at the international border and in local communities were largely ignored.
Local & National Protests San Diegans organized and took part in public demonstrations against the abuse and discrimination of undocumented immigrants and Chicanos. Herman Baca of the CCR led protests against the May 31, 1972, sexual assault of an undocumented woman by a U.S. Border Patrol agent near the San Ysidro border. Baca also initiated protests over the September 15, 1972 “Duffy Memorandum,” that resulted in the County Sheriff’s Department urging tax cab drivers to call law enforcement officials when passengers looked illegal.
Herman Baca – Immigration press conference, St. Anthony’s, National City – 1974 (Photo courtesy Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego)
Undocumented immigrants detained (Photo courtesy The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 4 – The Rise & Legacy of the Chicano Movement
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