Battle of San Jacinto...mexican forces were pushed back into the San Jacinto river where they drowned or surrendered. They had their backs to the river, thus the term wet back.

Few seem to know that many of the soldiers who fought and died as Texans were of Mexican descent. Many native Texans with hispanic surnames have lived in Texas, since it was Texas, and fought for its independence. These native Texans often do not speak spanish, speak a southern Dialect of English, and own land.


Recent immigrants however share none of the qualities, they do not speak English, do not own land, and likely do not have ancestors who fought for Texas, or the United States for that matter, and could give a shit about what happens to America. They're here for only one reason.