wetback

/ˈwɛtˌbæk/

Definitions

1. noun

a Mexican immigrant who has crossed the U.S.-Mexico border without authorization, especially in the early 20th century.

“Many of the workers on the farm were migrant wetbacks, coming from Mexico to find temporary employment.”

Synonyms

  • illegal alien
  • migrant worker

Antonyms

  • documented immigrant
  • lawful resident