Department of Labor. in a publication titled "This Is How 12 Camps for Migratory Workers in Agriculture Are Operated." the preface says: The responsibility (for providing adequate housing) is being met with steady and progressive improvement in housing for migratory workers. At one point Mr. Murrow said thatSome migrants have tried to leave the * endless migratory stream. And he adds: Wherever this happens. the local slum areas expand. Although a substantial number of migratory workers do settle down every year and become permanent residents of many communities resulting in the creation of slum areas. most of them do so without any adverse effect on the community. Such migrants commonly become permanent farm employees supervisors and many of the farmers for some find jobs outside of agriculture. Another fallacy which we noted with some surprise is the idea given by this production that the migrant somehow is caught in a trap from which he cannot extricate himself. This may be true of some workers who have limited skills. but to many the door is open and many use it. The facts brought to my attention also show that as far as finding permanent farm jobs is concerned about the only absolute prerequisite beside physical is willingness. The number of misstatements and inferences that occur in this production seem endless. And still another point. the narrator asserts that the employment of Mexican and other foreign workers "depresses the wage scale of the domestic migrants." The only inference that can be drawn from this incomplete statement is that the use of the word "depresses" makes one feel that farm wages are being driven down by the presence of these workers. Actually. nothing could be further from the truth. Farm wages in the decade between 1950 and 1960 increased 47 percent according to official reports by the Department of Agriculture. and in all areas farm wages increased by approximately the same percentage. and please note that this was during a period in which farm prices and farm incomes actually were declining.
Identified stereotypes
Migrants are portrayed as being trapped and depressing wages.