Answer:
World War II significantly affected immigration patterns in the United States, including the influx of Mexican immigrants to California. Here are a few ways that the war encouraged illegal immigration from Mexico to California:
Labor shortage: During World War II, many American men were drafted into the military, leaving a shortage of workers in the agriculture and manufacturing industries. To fill this gap, the U.S. government implemented the Bracero Program. This program brought Mexican workers to the United States on temporary work visas. However, the demand for labor was immense that many Mexicans entered the U.S. illegally to work in these industries. This situation was particularly evident in California where agriculture was a major sector.
Border enforcement: The U.S. government increased border enforcement during World War II to prevent foreign spies and saboteurs from entering the country. However, this also made it more difficult for Mexicans to enter the United States legally, leading many to cross the border illegally.
Discrimination and racial tensions: Many Mexican immigrants faced discrimination and racial tensions in the United States during World War II. This situation was particularly rampant in the Southwest where they were often viewed as a threat to American jobs and culture. This led some Mexicans to enter the United States illegally to avoid persecution and to seek economic opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation: