Commentary.

The article comments on the sociologist Katharine M. Donato's report "U.S. Policy and Mexican Migration to the United States, 1942-92." Katharine M. Donato offers some valuable insights into the post--World War II Mexican migration and its relationship to U.S. policy. Donato analyzes three major phases of this northern migration: the bracero era, the post-bracero era, and contemporary migration. With information gathered from thousands of individuals in 17 Mexican communities who had migrated at one time to the United States, the author analyzes demographic characteristics, employment patterns, legalization efforts, and other aspects related to frequent migration. Donato briefly discusses Americans' growing negative perceptions toward Mexican migration. Nonetheless, the degree of negativism and resulting policy influences seem to vary by region. Although Donato presents some interesting information on agricultural workers in the bracero program, she neglects to mention other areas where a significant number of braceros also labored.