Although the goal of the founders was for The congress to become a national organization, during its short existence it was most active and effective in California, with at least 10 branches operating in the greater Los Angeles Area.
[4] El Congreso aimed to improve labor conditions and civil rights for Latinos living in the United States, including citizens and immigrants alike.
[3] Resolutions called on workers to join unions, to unite regardless of differences in citizenship status, and to object forced deportations in light of the Depression Era practice of Repatriation.
[2] El Congreso focused heavily on improving housing conditions for Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, which at the time were largely segregated, overcrowded, and rampant with diseases such as tuberculosis.
In 1939, El Congreso launched a public housing campaign in Los Angeles that focused on neighborhood improvements such as electrification and drainage systems.
[5] To take direct action on this matter, in November 1939 El Congreso hosted a public meeting as a forum where homeowners could discuss the ramifications of an impending federal housing project with state officials.
The federal government sought to purchase homes in the largely Mexican districts of Maravilla Park and Ramona Gardens in Los Angeles to make room for the construction of new low-cost housing.
[7] Although no concrete ties have been found to link El Congreso with the Communist Party, it was modeled on similar principles to many organizations that comprised the far left leaning “Popular Front” coalition that fought against racial and class oppression.