While Mexican immigrants faced much hostility in the United States, they enjoyed some advantages that helped them cope. Mexicans joined unions in large numbers—and were very active participants in labor negotiations, and they also tended to have very strong extended family networks. Another source of strength and support for Mexican immigrants were the wide variety of mutual benefit societies they established in the United States, especially in border states like Texas. These voluntary organizations urged members to take pride in their heritage and culture and use it as a source of strength. They also supported assimilation efforts, advocated for race-blind justice, and helped members get medical and life insurance.

Perhaps the best know of these organizations was the Benito Juarez Mutual Aid Society, founded in Houston, Texas, in 1919. The Juarez Society, which eventually had chapters all over the United States, provided burial services and helped members get insurance. In addition, the Society helped members maintain a sense of ethnic identity. Many U.S. members of this society saw themselves as Mexicans first, Americans second, and planned an eventual return to Mexico. Another group, also founded in Houston, in 1924, was Mexico Bello. This society worked to preserve the Mexican heritage of immigrants whiles also encouraging their full participation in the dominant culture.

League of Latin American Citizens Building in Laredo, Texas

Some societies took a very different approach. Founded in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1929, the League of Latin American Citizens advocated for the full assimilation of its members into the United States. Members of the League believed that Mexican Americans could best improve their social and economic standing in the United States through full assimilation. Therefore, they devoted their greatest effort to promoting capitalism and the values of individualism and hard work. The League was, and still is, aligned with a more nationalist view of American patriotism. Mexican Americans, the League argued, should disavow any allegiance to Mexico, remain in the United States, and commit to the principles of democracy that are supposed to govern American life.