Wetback (slur)

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Wetback is a derogatory term for a Mexican or Central American who illegally enters the United States of America from its southern border, often by either swimming or wading across the Rio Grande. "Wetback" is also a blanket term sometimes used to describe anyone of the Hispanic/Mestizo race. The English term was first used in 1920's and saw official use by the U.S. Government in 1954 with Operation Wetback. It is used interchangeably with the Spanish term, mojado.

The Spanish-language translation espalda mojada – or, more tersely, mojado – is used in a similar sense by Hispanic Americans. Espalda mojada is also used in an equally pejorative way in Spain to refer to illegal immigrants from Morocco who cross the Straits of Gibraltar.

The term is somewhat similar to "Green Collar" (a play on White Collar & Blue Collar), which can also be used when referring illegal immigrants.

Wetback is also the name of a controversial 1953 film dealing with immigration in the United States.

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