The Meaning of “American”
The term American is often used in two different ways, which can sometimes lead to confusion:
- Continental Definition: Geographically, anyone born in North, Central, or South America is technically “American” because they inhabit the Americas. In this sense, citizens of Mexico are Americans just as much as citizens of Canada or Brazil.
- National Definition: In common English usage, “American” is frequently used as a shorthand specifically for citizens of the United States of America.
To become a U.S. citizen, a person from Mexico (or any other country) generally follows one of these paths:
- Naturalization: This is the legal process where a foreign citizen fulfills requirements set by Congress, such as living in the U.S. for a certain period, passing a civics and English test, and taking an oath of allegiance.
- Birthright: A person born in Mexico can be a U.S. citizen at birth if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen who meets specific residency requirements.
When the “Heart of America” was Mexico
Large portions of what is now the Western and Southwestern United States were once part of Mexico. Following Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821, its territory extended far north, including all or parts of:
- California
- Texas
- Nevada
- Utah
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- Wyoming
The Shift in Borders
The transition of these lands from Mexico to the United States happened primarily through two major events:
- The Texas Annexation (1845): Texas had previously declared independence from Mexico in 1836 (the Republic of Texas) and was later admitted to the U.S. as the 28th state.
- The Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848): Following the war, Mexico was forced to cede 55% of its territory to the United States. This massive land transfer is known as the Mexican Cession.
Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the Mexicans living in those ceded territories were given a choice: move south into the new Mexican borders or stay and become U.S. citizens automatically after one year. This created a unique historical situation where thousands of people became “American” citizens not by moving across a border, but by the border moving across them.