A spirit of welcome

The following was written by Anamaria Solis, who is currently one of our Loretto Justice Fellows and BSW Interns for this academic year. Today, on election day, we wanted to share a human story that reflected some of the powerful work of welcome that we are honored to share in.

Immigration lies at the very core of El Paso; it is intricately woven into the tapestry of our bicultural and binational identity. As a first-generation American, my family’s journey is just one example of the larger story of El Paso’s spirit of welcome.

Both of my parents were born in Delicias, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where their families owned and worked on pecan farms. My maternal grandfather studied at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) when it was still Texas Western College and the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, and I live in the same house he built 40 years ago. My mom arrived in El Paso at just five years old, living as a permanent resident, while my dad came on a student visa. They met and fell in love at UTEP, the same school I now attend. Eventually, my mom became a U.S. citizen, which allowed my dad to gain citizenship through their marriage. Their journey began over 20 years ago, and I often think about how dramatically the immigration landscape has changed since then.

Today, the immigration system often conveys a painful message: “Do Not Come.” This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the spirit of El Paso, a place defined by warmth and support. Despite the challenges posed by this harsh rhetoric, our city embraces its diversity and welcomes those seeking a new life.

I’ve experienced this support firsthand. Spanish was my first language, the only one I spoke until I was eight. When I began to learn English, I often felt isolated, but the bilingual nature of El Paso provided the sense of inclusion I needed. Witnessing our community celebrate its borderland and Latinx identity made me feel like I belonged.

Two years ago, I began volunteering at Sacred Heart migrant shelter, where I once again witnessed the transformative power of welcome. During quieter moments, I’d sit with migrants and listen to their stories—the homes they left behind, the families they missed, the harrowing journeys they undertook. Their experiences were often marked by pain and suffering, but once they reached U.S. soil, some seemed to feel a newfound sense of safety in sharing their stories with me.

I remember one little girl asking if she could go to college to become a model, her voice filled with hope. With teenagers, I would share advice on navigating American high schools and reassure them about their place in this country. Even though their journey was far from over, I was honored to welcome them to their new home. I felt a deep connection to these asylum seekers, welcoming them to El Paso, the same city that embraced my parents only twenty years ago. In doing so, I honor their journeys and the rich legacy of welcome and resilience that defines our borderland community.

Anamaria Solis, Loretto Justice Fellow 2024-2025

Connect with Anamaria here.