Texas had the above going on before I was an adult, s
My kindergarten had only one Mexican, he lived w his family in a duplex, first one I ever saw. Had several brothers and sisters, no dryer clothes line, etc. Father and Mother did not speak any English. We were friends for many years, this was mid 60’s. Then I saw it in CA mid-late 70’s start to really increase. By High School we had the “Vatos” not really gang members, but some kept separate. My friend mixed though. I had another close friend met in high school, his Mom was single. We would go to the rougher parts of town in industrial section where they could afford to live, met more family and friends. Never any real prejudice being with them. Some parents were home owners by then, saved money. Then at my work, They did industrial work, hard work daily I watched where I started out in a dirty factory. Never asked my boss how they were hired or paid. I would bet none asked for a dime of public assistance. Most were 40+ and sure had families. No real problems, no huge gang b.s. etc.
Then by the lovely 80’s it was out of hand.
State Ballots printed in Spanish. Kids spoke English, but many 1st arrival adults still couldn’t or wouldn’t learn English. Reagan gave Amnesty. No more young people doing entry level jobs. 95% were mostly Latinos, many I suspected illegal, never concerned me, but someone hired them anyway. Then the 90’s the Home Depot day labor phenomenom and any almost any gas station, and fast food drive through had difficulty understanding the broken english.
Unlike 70’s, could never ask directions anymore at a gas station as not only did they not speak english well, but they had no idea where anything was located or street names.
When I left So Cal on frequent trips to other states, I would actually see and find young people working those entry level jobs. 94-mid 2000’s demographic shifts, no idea how much changed and where.
I am curious what occured in 80”s onward in 48 other states migration that were not on the border. No recollection in other than when travelling into Texas like you mention. I have a friend who told me he had many Latino Employees in 80’s in South FL.
