How is it that others consider me "foreign" to the USA/America?

Question

Well, I've got a birth certificate that proves I was born here (Detroit). Both my parents also have birth certificates showing they were born here as did some of my grandparents. I've basically lived in Michigan my entire 36 years. True, I am not a member of any "Native" American tribe but how is it that I am considered a "foreigner" in the US by so many? In that case, aren't Native Americans also foreigners since they presumably came across the Bering Strait from Asia? Should we ALL just pack up and go "back to where we came from?" Hey- for me that would be Detroit wouldn't it? I guess I just don't understand this arguement of pro-illegal immigrants could someone please explain this point to me. I see this arguement made often against American citizens who oppose illegal immigration and I just don't get the point being made.

Oops- I think my birth certificate proving birth in Detroit may be throwing people off as to my "color;"not that I see how that matters in this issue. If it matters, I am white and a "mutt" of various European descent.

Answer 1

You are certainly not a foreigner in the United States if you, your parents, and your grandparents were born in the United States. You are American. And you are native to the United States too.

Maybe the confusion lies in the term "native American". It was coined to designate the people from "Indian" tribes that were already here before the pilgrims and other immigrants arrive. But once the United States were formed, then all the people born in the United States could be considered "native Americans". Maybe a different term is needed, like "Indigenous American".

On the other hand, why not just get rid of such term altogether? After all, having a special name for the "native American" is kind of racist, is it not? So in that case the term "American" would include all the American people (native American and people born on U.S. territory who are of European or other descents).

The difference between now and then (in my opinion) is that no or very few immigration laws existed (for example when your ancestors came to the United States), so, since they were not breaking any laws, they could not be illegal. Now there are many and very strict immigration laws and if you break them, then you are an illegal.

So the argument that you mention would not be a valid one.

Yes, the United States of America will always be a melting pot and that gives this country the human and cultural richness that it has.

Answer 2

I definitely wouldn't say you were foreign if you and your parents were both born here. But, if your are of another ethnic descent, then I can see how other people would automatically assume that. But there's no reason for people to say that you are not from here if you are born here. That doesn't have anything to do with immigration, legal or otherwise, and it certainly doesn't mean that you are not an American. Usually, the people saying those kinds of things are either white, whose families came from a European country to begin with, or blacks, whose families originally came from Africa and South America. So, technically, if you're not American, then neither are they. But, since you were born here, you're American and whatever descent you are. For example, if you are Mexican, then you are actually Mexican-American. Because you are Mexican by blood and American by birth.

Answer 3

properly Greta, i'm particular that some issues offend some human beings, and others they are not indignant by it. everybody is diverse. and that i will admit that I too have had questions reported for violation, and deleted, and that expenses you even extra factor, 10, and then i trust that that is two extra factors for deleting the question. i did not see the question, the first time once you declare to printed it, I said that you printed it the former day, and that i'm no longer indignant, and that i took the time to respond to the question. And plus ought to I upload, it is the weekend, and that i do not understand as far because the modators' hours (if any) on the weekends. or perhaps the those who reported your answer have not said that you re-printed it, or figured that you're going to stop asking it. i'm no longer on the moderators of Yahoo solutions, so i will't allow you to recognize precisely how they seen it "Insulting different individuals". yet i'm particular that some human beings ought to have had to document your question, or perhaps defined why they believed that it ought to correctly be deleted, and they checked into it, and agreed with them. Plus once you ask a question, you do not understand how human beings will re-act to it, nor did you recognize who reported it to Yahoo solutions, in a lot less they allow you to recognize, and Yahoo solutions would not allow you to recognize, and that i doubt they even ought to in case you requested them.

Answer 4

I can only assume you are a minority (being considered by others to be a foreigner.) But if you and your parents are natural citizens, you should sound and appear American. We are ALL immigrants.

Answer 5

What are you talking about you're not foreign. You were born here. Those pro-illegal immigration are ignorant of laws and are anarchists.

Answer 6

Well, as far I am concerned, If you or your parents came here LEGALLY, you speak ENGLISH, pay TAXES and your ONLY ALLEGIANCE is to the USA. Then you are American ;-)

Answer 7

Only uneducated and ignorant racist gringos on this forum would come to that conclusion...they can't see one foot in front of their computers! And racist they are, no matter what they say...lol

Answer 8

Not me I came from my Mother's womb, and I'm not going back there.

Answer 9

I couldnt have put that better myself. Your 100 percent right.

Answer 10

i have no clue. you are an american citizen.