The Repatriation: Mexican Americans Sent Home — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage explores the Repatriation, a significant event during the Great Depression when over one million Mexican Americans were forced to leave the United States. The passage provides a clear, chronological narrative that helps students understand the causes, experiences, and effects of this event. Key vocabulary is integrated and defined in the glossary, making it accessible for younger readers. Activities include a reading comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and a cause-and-effect graphic organizer. The passage also features a timeline and offers a Spanish translation for bilingual learning. This resource aligns with C3 Framework (D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5), Common Core reading and writing standards (RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2), and supports foundational literacy and critical thinking. Audio read-aloud and visual resources help make the history of Mexican American repatriation engaging and memorable for all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Mexican Repatriation, 1931" by NY Daily News Archive.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

During the Great Depression, many families in the United States lost their jobs and homes. The economy was weak, and people struggled to find work. One group that faced special hardship was Mexican Americans.

In the early 1930s, the United States government and local officials started a program called repatriation. This means sending people back to their home country. Leaders thought it would save jobs for others if Mexican Americans left. They believed that sending them away would help the economy.

Many Mexican Americans had lived in the U.S. for years. Some were even born in the United States and were American citizens. Still, they were told to leave. Officials used posters, newspapers, and even police visits to make people leave. Families were given little time to pack. Many boarded trains with only a few bags. One person said, "We were afraid. We left because we had no choice."

Whole communities changed overnight. Schools lost students. Shops closed. Friends and neighbors disappeared. Some people did not speak Spanish well because they had grown up in the U.S. Life in Mexico was hard for them. They missed their old homes and lives.

Not all Mexican Americans left. Some fought to stay. They used the law and shared their stories. Over time, more people understood how unfair repatriation was. During World War II, the need for workers grew, and the U.S. asked some Mexican workers to return. This showed how much the country needed their help.

Many people today remember the bravery of those families. They worked hard to build new lives in difficult times. The story of repatriation helps us understand why it is important to treat everyone fairly and with respect.

Interesting Fact: During the Great Depression, about one out of every three Mexican Americans in the U.S. was sent to Mexico, even if they were born in America.

What was the Great Depression?

A time of weak economyA long warA holidayA health event

Who were sent away during repatriation?

Mexican AmericansCanadian visitorsBusiness ownersSoldiers

What did families take with them?

A few bagsAll their furnitureNothingTheir cars

Why did officials want Mexican Americans to leave?

To save jobs for othersTo help them travelBecause of a new lawFor health reasons

How did some families feel when they left?

AfraidExcitedHappyUninterested

What changed during World War II?

The U.S. needed more workersMore people leftThe economy got worseSchools closed