Utah now a mini-melting pot

In the shadow of the Mormon faith's majestic headquarters, the fountain at the center of the Gateway Plaza outdoor mall is a popular backdrop for weddings. On a scorching day, Hispanic and Anglo children run side by side through the pulsating sprays of water.

Marriage and kids: They're the pillars of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which dominates many facets of life in Utah. But diversity?

Immigration is changing the complexion of communities across the United States. As it sweeps through Utah, traditionally one of the least diverse and most conservative states in the nation, its impact is particularly dramatic. About 98 percent white until 1970, Utah is becoming a mini-melting pot.

While some conservative Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are pushing to tighten borders and make illegal immigrants felons, factors unique to Utah are attracting Hispanics to this reddest of red states. Among them: the LDS Church's philosophy of outreach and its embrace of large families.

These influences have helped give the state a reputation of being warm and welcoming to immigrants. Utah allows the undocumented to drive legally with a "driving privilege card." They can attend public colleges and universities and pay in-state tuition. Minorities — mostly Hispanics — make up 16.5 percent of the population, up from 8.8 percent in 1990. They could reach 20 percent by 2010. Hispanics are driving the growth among minorities here. The state's black and Asian populations also are growing but slowly.

The changes are visible — and audible. Sounds of up to 70 languages reverberate in some school hallways, cantinas are sprouting in the suburbs, and Spanish-speaking religious congregations are multiplying — scenes that are more Los Angeles and Miami than Salt Lake City.

"Word has gotten out that it's a place where immigrants are welcome," five-term Utah Republican Rep. Chris Cannon says.

Utahns in 2004 gave President Bush his biggest margin over Democrat John Kerry in any state — 72 percent to 26 percent. How can one of America's most conservative places be so receptive to immigrants?

"The LDS faith believes you can be conservative and yet be compassionate," says Marco Diaz, past chairman of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly, which tries to attract more Hispanics to the party. "Help thy neighbor and love thy neighbor and still try to be fiscal conservatives."