Thanks, I had no idea jews were sent to the new world. That seems counter-productive. I look forward to reading your sources.
Well, they were technically "Conversos" (converts).
The real reason had little to do with religion and a lot to do with the fact we had a lot of economic might and Royal Court politics. Same old song and dance.
Basically any OLD ranching family in West Texas and New Mexico has Jewish roots. Of course, it's mainly just odd recipes and a Torah in the attic.