Anaís Acosta


Bracero Oral History

Biographical Synopsis of Interviewee

Sebastián Ruíz Ávila was born in Villa Juárez, San Luis Potosí, México on June 3rd of 1937. His father would do a lit bit of everything to support his family, while his mother was a housewife. He has two brothers and two sisters. Mr. Ruíz had to move to the border due to the economics. By 1957, he had the opportunity to become a bracero.

Summary of Interview

Sebastian Ruíz Ávila lived there up until his late teens. He worked as baker helper in Matamores until he learned about the braceros. He worked at Lamesa, Texas. He was able to help his family back in México by working in the cotton fields everyday. His payment was based on the amount of cotton he would pick up. He worked 6 years as a bracero for the same person. Mr. Ruíz didn’t know English during his time working as a bracero. After having a family in Mexico, Mr. Ruíz stayed there working as a brick-maker. Then, he became a politician, and a street was named after him. He feels to have worked as a bracero because he was able to help his family and live a better life.

Date of Interview


Length of Interview

31 minutes

Tape Number

No. 1438

Transcript Number

No. 1438

Length of Transcript

36 pages



Interview Number

No. 1438

Terms of Use



Interview in Spanish.