Robert M. Young's first solo feature was his groundbreaking portrayal of the harsh realities of undocumented immigrant life. In this depiction of a young Mexican farm worker who slips across the border in search of opportunity, Young's powerful camera work and dynamic visual style light up the screen.

Recognizing the power and continuing relevance of Alambrista!, a group of Chicano scholars and musicians from Harvard, Stanford, and San Francisco State Universities petitioned the Ford Foundation for funds to help bring the film to the public again, leading to this new, expanded version, with new soundtrack and new ending.