Kelly Lytle Hernandez

Kelly Lytle Hernandez, the Thomas E. Lifka Endowed Chair of History at UCLA, dives deep into the historical parallels of mass deportation, focusing on Operation Wetback from the 1950s. She explores the profound impact of past policies on today's immigration debates and the racial profiling inherent in those practices. The conversation sheds light on logistical challenges to mass deportations and the public's resistance. Hernandez argues for a more humane approach, advocating for the legalization of workers rather than aggressive deportation tactics.

In this engaging discussion, Kelly Lytle Hernandez, a UCLA history professor and author of 'Bad Mexicans', unpacks the complexities of Cinco de Mayo and its cultural significance. She delves into Mexico's fight for autonomy and the historical narrative that shaped its modern identity. Topics include the impact of Porfirio Diaz, the rise of the Magonistas amidst oppression, and how Cinco de Mayo evolved from a symbol of anti-imperialism to a commercialized holiday, illustrating the intertwined stories of Mexico and the U.S.