History of the United States (1918–1945) (especially poor people) and prevent inflation. Tires were the first item to be rationed in January 1942 because supplies of natural rubber were interrupted. Gasoline rationing proved an even better way to allocate scarce rubber. By 1943 one needed government issued ration coupons to purchase typewriters, sugar, gasoline, bicycles, footwear, fuel oil, silk, nylon, coffee, stoves, shoes, meat, cheese, butter, margarine, canned foods, dried fruits, jam, and many other items. Some items—like new automobiles and appliances—were no longer made. The rationing system did not apply to used goods (like clothes or cars). The ration system was complex and confusing, but
Strangers No Longer and Mexico, is also cited as background (§13). "Strangers No Longer" invokes the human reality of migration, and its authors cite their concern at some of the consequences of migration—the vulnerable situation into which migrants are placed, the separation of families, and the challenges presented to social service providers (§4) The section of "Strangers No Longer" dealing with migration in light of scripture brings out the material from both the Old and New Testaments that the bishops see as relevant to the phenomenon of migration today. From the Old Testament, the bishops cite the story of Abraham and Sarah's hospitality