America’s fabric is woven from threads of immigrants who have put
roots down in this country, seeking a better life for themselves and their families.
Waves of nationalities and ethnic groups were processed through New
York’s Ellis Island from just before the turn of the 20th century well
into the 1940s. Both in fact and symbolically, the island is part of the Statue of Liberty
National Monument.
In more recent years, Hispanics, too, have sought new economic and
political opportunities here.
At first, border states, such as California and Texas, absorbed these
immigrants, primarily from Mexico, but also from Central America. Eventually, they
migrated to other states, largely motivated by a perceived brighter standard of living.
One of those states was Idaho.
The stories published today by the Mountain Express—an issue
with a special section bursting with the spirit of July 4th—provide a glimpse
into the Hispanic migration into the Wood River Valley.
Ron Soble, Express Editor
