Texas Migrant Labor. 1973 Annual Report.

The Good Neighbor Commission of Texas, organized under a 1943 Federal grant and later constituted as a State agency, coordinates the work of the Federal, State, and local governments in improving travel and working conditions of migrant farm workers. The basic responsibilities presented in its 1973 annual report are: (1) surveying conditions and determining problem areas for migrants and (2) developing, in coordination with State agencies, specific programs to meet the needs of agricultural workers and their families. An overview of Texas migrant labor describes the emergence and final domination of the seasonal agricultural labor force by Spanish speaking people (primarily Mexican American). The report also discusses Texas agriculture and migrant labor, alien labor and immigration, and vocational programs for migrants. Current developments in education, housing, health, jobs, and economics are also presented. Brief recommendations which would result in direct and immediate benefit to migrants and their families are given, some of which will require legislative action, while others will require administrative directives to bring about refinement, and in some cases redirection, of agency programs. (NQ)