In this decade the illegal alien has been a major newsworthy item; described in terms such as an "invasion of illegal aliens," a "national disaster" and a "burden of $13 billion for taxpayers" (Bustamante, 1976). It happened before during the Great Depression of the 1930's when active and open opposition to Mexican workers in the United States forced the harsh repatriation and "voluntary" departures. of over 400,000 Mexican aliens (Hoffman). The issue over the so-called "wetbacks" came up in the early 1950' s when the claim was made by Mexican-American organizations in border towns that illegals adversely effected wages and working conditions (Samora and Bustamante).