Explain the influx of Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants into the United States during the 1920s, and discuss the characteristics of their lives.

During the 1920s, there was a significant influx of Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants into the United States. This was largely due to economic and political factors in their home countries, as well as the demand for labor in the United States.

In Mexico, the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution and the economic instability pushed many Mexicans to seek better opportunities in the United States. Additionally, the demand for agricultural labor in the southwestern United States attracted many Mexican immigrants, who often found work in farms and ranches.

Puerto Ricans, on the other hand, were drawn to the United States by the promise of better economic prospects and job opportunities. The Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917 granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, which also facilitated their migration to the mainland.

The lives of Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants in the United States during the 1920s were characterized by hard work, discrimination, and economic challenges. Many Mexican immigrants faced harsh working conditions in agriculture and were often exploited by employers. They also faced discrimination and prejudice, particularly in the southwestern states where they settled.

Puerto Rican immigrants, on the other hand, often settled in urban areas such as New York City and faced similar challenges. They found work in factories and other low-paying jobs, and also experienced discrimination and marginalization.

Overall, the influx of Mexican and Puerto Rican immigrants during the 1920s contributed to the diversity of the United States and had a lasting impact on the country's culture and society. Their experiences also laid the groundwork for the development of vibrant Mexican and Puerto Rican communities in the United States.