Former braceros fight for wage compensation

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Miguel Bermudez in his seventies and is still waiting for full payment he earned 50 years ago for working on an American farm.

He is one of hundreds of thousands who were part of the Bracero Program that allowed Mexicans to work in the United States.

As part of that arrangement, a portion of their pay was withheld and was to be returned later.

That didn't happen for all braceros.

Workers are supposed to return to Mexico to get their earnings. But hundreds of thousands of the former braceros or their descendants can't make the trip.

Juan Jose Gutierrez, President of immigration group Vamos Unidos, USA, says it is up to the Mexican government to make good on their promise.
"I mean if someone takes your money they have to give it back," he says, "That's just the right thing to do. This was outrageous theft."
But things are finally beginning to change.

Now Mexican consulates all over America will be able to pass out 3,500 dollars to each bracero or their families because of a decision earlier this month by the Mexican government.

Bermudez was the first in line to get his check at the Los Angeles Mexican Consulate today, clutching the paperwork he filled out all of those years ago close to his chest.

He was able to get his check because he had registered during a now closed registration period.

But there are hundreds of thousands of braceros or their descendants all over America who aren’t yet registered to collect their checks in the US.

So, immigration activists met with members of the Mexican consulate this morning, urging them to allow another registration period.

They also hope to get the word out about the decision by using the American media.

"We have asked members of the media to publish this phone number that ex-braceros can call to get assistance, and that is: 213-746-6264," Gutierrez says.

But Sergio Bermudez, Miguel's son, says that this check doesn't make up for the years of neglect from the Mexican government.
"Being his son there is a lot of frustration after years of empty promises and watching him get the run around."

Both he and Miguel hope that all the former braceros and their families will finally get the retribution they deserve.