Do I deserve to be called an American?

Question

Ok. My name is Zain. I moved to the United States from Pakistan when I was 10 months old. So, I grew up in America. Since I'm 13 years old now, I moved to the U.S. in 1994 and I have been living here ever since(2007), I'm in the naturalization process right now, I will be a U.S. Citizen in 2009(when I'm like 15 1/2 yrs old). Does it matter if I wasn't born here because I grew up here and was raised here all of my life except for 10 months, I even said my first words here like "mommy" and "daddy". So my point is: I grew up here, said my first words here, lived here basically all my life, so do I deserve to be called and considered an American?

Answer 1

most people can't officially be called pure American's in America anyway except for the Native American's...so we were all immigrants in retrospect...

i'll just add this for fun:
"Well, Americans:
What, nothin' better to do?
Why don't you kick yourself out?
You're an immigrant too." The White Stripes 'Icky Thump'
----
p.s.
to the person who typed this,
"If your skin is brown than your answer is no. "-Raena B

all i have to say is, most Native American's are brown...so...now what?

Answer 2

You can't be naturalized until you are 18 years old (not 15 1/2). The only exception to that is if both parents have become naturalized citizens, there is a form to fill out that will add minor children to their own citizenship. There is no real "process" just paperwork and that doesn't take years at all. It sounds like you just made up an interesting story to try to buttress your political argument.

THAT said, naturalized citizens are Americans. Until they become naturalized, however, they are NOT Americans and do not deserve to be called American.

You also don't communicate like any 13 year old that I've ever dealt with.

Answer 3

Well, I read that other dude's response about the brown skin thing. Dude, it doesn't matter if you deserve the right to be american, your just like everybody else. Being called American is just by saying that you are part of something or in something. Which in the being called American thing, you are american since you live in the continent of america. But hey, not even the native american's were here first, they came from asia. And no, the white people weren't the first here either. And plus, it doesn't matter what people call you, if they call you pakistanian or american, who cares, that's what they think. I get called Mexican, Beaner, and so on, all the time, and I don't care. I actually am proud of my background and encourage peopole to call me a Mexican or beaner or whatever. So dude, be proud of who you are, and if you want to be american or pakistanian, you can be both. lol



and who the heck cares if you're still not a citizen, nothing changes. Only that you will be watched by the government like everybody else. Stupid people saying "unOFFICIAL." They should be happy that their faces are offical, cuz if they weren't, I would whack 'em off. lol Peace dude

Answer 4

This is two different questions.

"Do I deserve to be called an American?" Yes. You have been raised in American culture, and you don't know any other country.

"Should I have a legal right to citizenship?" No. You can apply, and I hope for your sake that you are accepted. It's awful to have to deal with this issue, but in legal terms, you don't have a 'right' to be a citizen. It is a privilege granted to those that 'deserve' it. If we made it a 'right' for people in your situation, our immigration problem would increase tenfold. I'm a bit cynical about the whole process, but I wish you the best of luck.

Answer 5

Once you become a citizen you ARE an American. It doesn't matter where you were born or raised for that matter, once you take the oath you are an American. We would have a lot less trouble if people would just say I'm an American, without adding anything to it. I don't care if you're native, black, brown, yellow, green, pink, just say I'm an American and leave it at that.

Post back after you take the oath I want to congratulate you for becoming a NEW AMERICAN.

Answer 6

Yes, when you get your citizenship you'll be as American as I am, and my family's been here since the 1790's.

Lori raises some good questions. You can't get naturalized, individually, unless you are 18. You do not write like any 13 year old I've known. Still, it's a good story.

Answer 7

You are unfortunately caught it a loophole and by Law are a Pakistan citizen even though you have lived here almost your whole life I would consider you an American but legally until you finish your naturalization you are not but hang in there and it will all work out

Answer 8

In my opinion, "American" is just as much a culture as it has to do with your family background. Considering you moved here when you were a baby, you probably have more in common with the American lifestyle than your Pakistani background. If you consider yourself to be an American, why should it matter that the first 10 months of your life was not in the US? (not to say that you should totally forget your Pakistani culture. Don't you think it's cool that you have two cultures?)

Answer 9

Technically sure, once you're a citizen of u . s . a . of america you're an american. think of roughly it from the different point of view. If a white guy with a british accessory strikes to mexico and turns right into a citizen is he a "Mexican"? Technically sure yet come on. human beings could snort at him if whilst asked what nationality are you and he says mexican and is thoroughly white and british sounding.

Answer 10

Yes once you have gone thru the process of naturalization you will be a citizen and as such an American. Cingratulations and thanks for doing the right thing.

Answer 11

Absolutely-you are an american-and you should take pride in it too-I am glad for you.Be sure to get good grades in school,and go to college.Bright young people like yourself are the future of this great country.Good luck