So the question naturally arises whether you want an extension of this program or whether you want wetbacks coming into the country in large numbers. It is just that simple. It is not an easy matter to work out migrant labor agreements with the Republic of Mexico. It takes a lot of negotiation. We have very friendly relations with Mexico today. You can imagine what might happen if we would suddenly curtail the migrant labor program. I fear it would result in thousands of wetbacks coming into this country. This would be detrimental not only to the agricultural economy of this country but would be rather detrimental to our friendly relations with Mexico.
Identified stereotypes
Undocumented immigrants are referred to as "wetbacks" and are portrayed as a threat to the agricultural economy and U.S.-Mexico relations.