<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
Why are hispanic people called wet backs?
<|assistant|>
The term "wet back" has been used derogatorily to refer to Hispanic people, mainly Mexican immigrants, who attempt to enter the United States illegally. The term is a reference to the phrase "wet foot/dry foot", which refers to immigrants who may be allowed to enter the US with one foot, but are then subject to deportation if caught with the other. Hispanic people who attempt to enter illegally are believed to do so by "wetting" their feet to prevent being detected in the dry desert terrain. Thus, "wet back" serves as a derogatory term to belittle Hispanic immigrants.