Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

In the 1930s, the closing of U.S. borders had a significant impact on Caribbean workers, primarily by limiting their job opportunities. During this time, the United States implemented stricter immigration policies and reduced the number of work permits available to foreign workers, including those from the Caribbean. This shift was largely a response to the economic conditions of the Great Depression, which led to increased competition for jobs among native-born Americans.

As a result, many Caribbean workers, who had previously sought employment in the U.S. to escape local economic hardships, found themselves unable to access the labor market there. Consequently, their prospects for securing jobs diminished significantly, forcing many to either remain in the Caribbean under challenging economic conditions or seek alternative avenues for work, often resulting in heightened levels of unemployment in their home countries.

This situation underscores the interconnectedness of labor migration patterns and economic policies, revealing how global events can dramatically impact local economies and employment dynamics.