How one ‘Mexisotan’ grappled with decades of uncertainty before earning her U.S. citizenship

By: Katelyn Vue

Outlets: Sahan Journal

Published: April 23, 2026

Words: 1,300

Last Updated: 3 months, 1 week ago

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Irma Márquez Trapero calls herself a proud “Mexisotan,” a term combining her Mexican heritage and Minnesotan background.

Márquez Trapero grew up in St. James, a small city in southwest Minnesota where she was surrounded by friends. She felt safe in the tight-knit community — kids left their bikes outside unattended without a second thought. But she carried a secret that weighed on her as a source of shame and anxiety.

Her family had …

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