Jews came to the new world after the Moors were kicked out Spain. They had to convert of else, however.
A significant part of the Palace of Governors museum at Santa Fe is dedicated to the Jewish immigrants who came with the Spanish and Moors. Also notable amongst the first to arrive were the Lebanese traders. Because of the strong arm of the Church, the Jews were “required” to convert. So, in the day, in the sight of the priests, they were Catholic, and at night they were Jewish. It is still that way in some communities.