The mistreatment and discrimination faced by Okies and other Dust Bowl migrants in California during the Great Depression

How were Okies treated when they entered California?

discrimination, forced into low wage work in agriculture

During the Great Depression, many people from Oklahoma and other parts of the Dust Bowl region migrated to California in search of work, better living conditions, and escape from the devastating effects of the dust storms. However, when they arrived in California, they often faced discrimination and mistreatment.

Many Californians resented the arrival of so many migrants, blaming them for increasing competition for jobs and resources. This led to a widespread prejudice against “Okies” and other migrants from the Dust Bowl region. Local newspapers and politicians portrayed them as “moochers,” “bums,” and “criminals,” and encouraged Californians to treat them with suspicion and hostility.

Furthermore, the government and law enforcement authorities treated Okies and other migrants poorly. The state set up immigration inspection stations along the border with Arizona to prevent migrants from entering California. Police officers would sometimes harass migrants, and many were rounded up and sent to detention camps on the outskirts of cities.

Once they arrived in California, Okies and other migrants faced additional challenges. They often had difficulty finding work and were frequently overcharged for basic necessities such as food and lodging. They lived in squalid conditions in makeshift camps, which were often targeted by police and vigilante groups.

Overall, Okies were treated poorly when they entered California. They faced discrimination, mistreatment, and exploitation, and were often viewed with suspicion by Californians. However, as time passed, many Okies and their children were able to build new lives in California and contribute to its culture and economy.

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