Spain Sees Itself as a Beacon for Immigrants. So Do Many Latin Americans.
The government presents its migrant policy as a welcoming alternative to U.S. crackdowns. But activists say those arriving on boats from Africa are excluded from that embrace.
In the Roots of My Town restaurant on Spainās eastern coast, Luz Fanny Arce CampiƱo, 53, stirred a rich stew and described how her adopted European home had eclipsed the United States as the most desired destination for friends and family back in her Colombian hometown.
After having arrived in Madrid by plane and becoming āanother illegal immigrantā by overstaying a visa, Ms. CampiƱo said, she established residency in the small town of Paiporta, got work in her brotherās restaurant and was saved by āguardian angelsā who rescued her during disastrous floods last year. Now the government has granted her legal status and a pathway to Spanish citizenship.
āIām happy,ā she said.
Unlike the United States and some European neighbors defined by tough immigration stances, Spainās left-wing government has projected an image of itself as the Westās new melting pot. It has embraced immigrants, especially Latin Americans who speak Spainās language, share its religion and understand its culture. Even activists who say that warm welcome doesnāt extend to many Africans acknowledge that Spain is an outlier on a continent closing its doors.
