The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child

Taken from the Spanish word, brazo meaning “arm,” braceros were Mexican workers who worked with their hands and arms, performing manual labor. The 1942 Bracero Program was a bilateral agreement between the United States and Mexico that allowed seasonal contract workers from Mexico to work in the United States to combat the labor shortage during the war years (See: Background). Braceros primarily worked in the agricultural industry. The program lasted until 1964, but many braceros were exploited and discriminated against throughout its duration, as detailed in Francisco’s experiences in The Circuit.

Cantinflas, Pedro Infante, and Jorge Negrete were early Mexican media stars that inspire Roberto and Francisco’s imaginations in The Circuit. Known as “the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico,” Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes (1911-1993), or Cantinflas, was a Mexican actor, filmmaker, and comedian. In his films, Cantinflas often played the part of the little guy, el peladito, to call attention to the plight of the poor. A movie featuring Cantinflas puts the idea in Roberto’s head that money is so easy to get in California, it is just lying out in the streets.

Pedro Infante (1917-1957), the “idol of Mexico,” starred in 59 movies and recorded 366 songs.