Need Help With a Word (Not Yet Illegal)

My current wip is about a young Mexican man trying to sneak into the US. He's helped by coyotes (men who get you across the border for a price) and he interacts with several other people in his position.

The problem is I don't know what to call these people. They aren't illegal immigrants, or illegals, because they're still in Mexico. Part of the story takes place in the desert on the US side, but I don't want to suddenly change what I'm calling them at the end of the book. Several people have names, but while in the desert he sees other groups of people trying to cross and I can't figure out what to call them!

I'm open to slang or derogatory expressions, but most of them only refer to Mexicans already in the US illegally. I really appreciate your input.

That's what I've been doing but it starts to get confusing. At one point I have several groups hiding in the desert. One starts running, then the other group jumps up, and I feel like it's nothing but "this man" then "that man" and "the woman."

Bmwhtly said:

I believe there is a word.

I only believe that because of Babel. But I can't for the life of me remember it.
If I do, I'll let you know.

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Please let me know if you do! I have the movie - that sounds like a good excuse to watch it. The scenery in parts of the movie are guiding me with my wip.

DeleyanLee said:

One emmigrates from one country to become an immigrant in another country.

Does that help?

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Yes, but do you call those people emmigrants?

quickWit said:

Travelers
Journeymen

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Travelers is in the right direction. I keep thinking "seekers of a better life" but that's a little wordy, lol.

jannawrites said:

So you're looking for a technical term that's already in use for this purpose? Or you want help making one up?

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Preferably one that already exists, but if we can make up a word that make sense and works, that's cool too.

Bmwhtly said:

Smizmar.

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Yes, yes, that's it. Perfect.

jannawrites said:

I think I got myself confoozeled. You mean the guys crossing the line into the US, or the ones helping them?

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The ones crossing. The ones helping are coyotes.

Prozyan, I hadn't heard that. It makes sense.

Priene said:

Migrants.

(Incidentally, there's only one 'm' in emigrants)

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I knew there was a word. That works, thank you.

(I didn't think that looked right, thanks.)

jannawrites said:

Ah, yes. Now I remember you mentioned coyotes already.

I like "cargo." I can hear the coyotes talking back and forth to one another (if there's more than one).

"Get that cargo over here, and keep him down! BP's just up the hill!"

Or whatever, cuz, you know, you're the one writing it.

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LOL. The only problem is it's not told from the coyotes perspective. I meant to say that earlier - the MC wouldn't refer to himself as cargo.

quickWit said:

If the helpers are Coyotes perhaps you should refer to the crossers as some other kind of desert animal like jackrabbits or something? Just another avenue to consider.

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Jackalope?