A NBC News publication highlights the rich cultural heritage and unique identity of the inhabitants of the southern border region of the United States, highlighting how this region has influenced the lives and culture of millions of people, especially those of Latino or Hispanic descent. The focus is on the importance of recognizing and celebrating this heritage amid the continued emphasis on border security and immigration policies.

The first highlight is about Priscilla Curiel, a rising culinary star known for her bone marrow birria tacos, which bring inspiration from the frontier. She emphasizes her identity as a “fronteriza” and how the border region has shaped her life since childhood, when her mother took her daily to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

The article points out that nearly 19 million Americans consider the southern border region their home, with many of them boasting a culture of their own and a language known as Spanglish. This culture is a fusion of Mexican and American influences that results in a unique identity for the inhabitants of the border.

“For almost 19 million Americans, at least half of them of Latino or Hispanic descent, the southern border region that spans nearly 2,000 miles and four states is home. Yet some of these residents feel that the region's deep history, Latino heritage and outsize impact on the nation's culture, economy and identity has gotten lost amid the emphasis on border security and immigration politics”.

The story also highlights the efforts of border residents such as Chelsie Evaldi, who are working to challenge negative stereotypes about their border towns and highlight the uniqueness and richness of their cultures. She opened Chuco Relic Souvenirs to promote Latin American and Mexican-American history that is often underestimated or misunderstood.

“While the media has long focused on the migrants and laborers who have crossed the U.S. border for work, generations of middle class and wealthy Mexican children like Curiel have made that trek to private and Catholic schools in San Diego, El Paso and other border cities. It broadened what was normal for them: Spanglish, British new wave on binational radio, American clothing styles including preppy, Ferris Bueller looks — and countless hours waiting in line at vehicle crossings along the border”.

The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the cultural and economic cohesion between the two sides of the border, despite migration and security issues. Border residents are seen as adaptable and culturally tolerant people, and the experience of crossing borders has shaped their identities in unique ways.

In short, the article highlights the rich cultural heritage and identity of the U.S. southern border region, underscoring the need to recognize and celebrate it, even in the midst of political and immigration challenges. This heritage is seen as a vital part of American culture and should be valued and shared.