alambrista

n. an illegal immigrant who crosses into the U.S. via its border with Mexico. Subjects: Spanish, Mexico, United States

Etymological Note: Spanish alambrista ‘tightrope walker’ = ‘wire crosser’

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Citations: 1950 Bill Dredge Los Angeles Times (May 2) “Thousands of Mexicans Illegally Cross U.S. Border Each Month” p. 12: The feelings of the line jumpers—the alambristas—are reflected in the words of Julian Terrones Segura, 36 and newly arrived from his native village in Guerrero. 1959 White Masterson Zanesville Signal (Ohio) (Sept. 10) “The Dark Fantastic” no. IV, p. 31D: For the Mexican turned out to be merely an alambrista, a poor peon hoping to slip across the line and find work. 1970 Daily Report (Ontario, California) (Sept. 13) “No Peace of Mind for the Alambristas” (in Fresno, Calif.) p. A5: Alambristas, disparagingly known as “wetbacks,” are being used here and elsewhere to harvest crops, particularly grapes. 1986 Sheric C. Neville @ Santa Ana, Calif. Orange County Business Journal (California) (Feb. 17) “Study Shows Undocumented Workers Don’t Steal Jobs” vol. 9, no. 3, p. 11: For years, he’s answered requests by community groups to tell of his early adventures in the 1950s—how he labored, among other things, as a gardener and a trash collector; how he returned to California over and over; and how as an alambrista (wirejumper) he cooperated with the Border Patrol in what he saw as a “game.”

Posted 22 Jun 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend