During World War II many Mexican workers, known as braceros, signed contracts with American companies to work on farms and railroads. The workers claim they had wages withheld and were never repaid as their contracts stipulated; the amount could reach $500 million. The U.S. and Mexican governments do not recognize the claim, but the workers have gained support from Latino civil rights groups and labor unions.
See "Mexican workers seek full WW II pay", Oscar Avila, Chicago Tribune, May 5, 2002