Discussion Questions for "El Norte" Chapter

1. Were there immigration restrictions for Mexicans coming into the U.S.?

2. What factors were "pushing" Mexicans out of their homeland?  What was the "pull" to America?

3. What accelerated the movement of Mexicans into the United States?

4. What was the experience of Mexican women immigrants in the U.S.?

5. What occupations did most Chicanos work in?

6. In what way did planters keep wages low for Mexican workers?

7. How did Mexican immigrants proportionately suffer more than other ethnic groups during the Great Depression?

8. Did Chicano workers passively accept their exploitation or did they fight back?

9. What kind of restrictions were put on Mexican Americans and immigrants in society?

10. According to many whites, what was the purpose of education for Chicano children?  What did Chicano parents hope education would provide for their children?  Were there any regrets by these parents?

11. As Mexican immigration increased in the first prior to World War II, what did some critics warn of?  What was the position of employers?

12. What are the barrios?  Were they places of sanctuary?