The Southwest Border Area of the United States is one of several mental constructs that many people easily identify. It is geographically easy to locate on a map, and people hold several notions of what the region is like. Because this area shares a border with another country, Mexico, it also has a long history of relations with people from Mexico.
Additionally, there are three major coexisting cultures: Spanish American, American Indian, and European American. In its early settlement period, the Southwest was not regarded as a very attractive destination for migrants because of its arid land. Over time, it became a popular destination for many migrants because of the long period of warm climate.
The Spanish settlement created missions along California, which has left an imprint in the state's landscapes, housing, and history.
This region has a growing population of people from Mexico and Latin America, particularly because of its proximity to Mexico. The United States relied on foreign labor for agriculture. It is less reliant now because machinery is able to do a lot of work that was formerly done by hand.
The Bracero Program (1942-1964) was instituted in order to hire temporary workers from Mexico for agriculture. This was a means to make up for the shortage of labor during World War II.
Native Americans are mostly in reservations, though there is a growing number of Native Americans from various tribes who are integrated into mainstream culture.
Los Angeles, California is home to a rapid growing number of Native Americans who do not live on reservations.
Seattle, by contrast, is mostly White, with a very small Hispanic population. It has a highly educated populace. This differs from the Hispanic neighborhoods found in the Southwest who have typically a low SES (socio-economic status).
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