Interviewer
Alejandra Díaz
Project
Bracero Oral History
Biographical Synopsis of Interviewee
Horacio Andrejol was born on May 15, 1934, in Caborca, Sonora, México; his parents worked in agriculture, and he had three brothers and five sisters; he was formally educated only through the second grade; in 1960, he was married.
Summary of Interview
Mr. Andrejol briefly describes his family; for a time he worked illegally in California, but his employer helped him become a bracero toward the end of 1958; he then completed an eighteen month contract; although his boss wanted him to drive, as a bracero he was not allowed; he was then sent to Tijuana, Baja California, México, to arrange for legal residency; as a bracero, his primary responsibility was to feed and care for livestock; he initially returned to Empalme, Sonora, México, where he waited for fifteen days while he was sent money by his employer in the states on the condition that he return to work for the money he was given; in Mexicali, Baja California, he was listed as a specialized worker, which allowed him to pass much more quickly; he was medically examined, and the next day he went to work; while working illegally, he picked cotton, and he was treated horribly, including being severely underpaid; he goes on to describe the daily routines, duties, housing, provision, treatment, payments, remittances, friendships, and recreational activities; instead of writing letters home, he was fortunate enough to visit his wife in Mexicali, on a regular basis; he and other workers would often take turns leaving the camp in the evenings; later, he was able to establish residency for his wife; he also talks about the work he did after the program; overall, his memories of having been a bracero are positive, because he was able to work legally, become a legal resident, and ultimately a citizen.
Date of Interview
1-4-2008
Length of Interview
35 minutes
Listen to the Interview
Tape Number
No. 1333
Transcript Number
No. 1333
Length of Transcript
30 pages
Interview Number
No. 1333
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Horacio Andrejol Nogales by Alejandra Díaz, 2008, "Interview no. 1332," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.
Comments
Interview in Spanish.