In the Roots of My Town restaurant on Spain’s eastern coast, Luz Fanny Arce Campiño, 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 “another illegal immigrant” by overstaying a visa, Ms. Campiño

said, she established residency in the small town of Paiporta, got work in her brother’s restaurant and was saved by

“guardian angels” who rescued her during disastrous floods last year. Now the government has granted her legal status

and a pathway to Spanish citizenship.

“I’m happy,” she said.

Unlike the United States and some European neighbors defined by tough immigration stances, Spain’s left-wing government

has projected an image of itself as the West’s new melting pot. It has embraced immigrants, especially Latin Americans

who speak Spain’s language, share its religion and understand its culture. Even activists who say that warm welcome

doesn’t extend to many Africans acknowledge that Spain is an outlier on a continent closing its doors.