Why do I keep being called an "immigrant" when my family has been here so long I can't even trace them to...
606364
I don't know why you are called an immigrant all the time, as you didn't really expand on that but I'd guess that you look Mexican or something.  The Indians came here first and I don't know when, the first non-Indian was Eric the Red and then after a long time of no new visitors, various Europeans came over at about the same time.  I hate that argument too, I'm not an immigrant, I was born here and so were my parents.  My family came here legally too. I see that we have laws now. No, it don't compare in any way to the civil rights fight of blacks in the '60s and I also hate when people say that.  People argue that they just want a better life, no shit, how about they do it the legal way or be arrested.  I know, I'll start stealing everything I want because it will give me a better life - I won't have to work and I will have better things, it's a two-fold solution!  Then when the cops arrest me, I'll just say "I was just trying to have a better life, like your ancestors."  If it doesn't work then this shouldn't
1120928
everyone forgetting you're part of the US!
765605
This was before the Americas were civilized, times change.\nDon't try to use some back in the day nonsense to justify illegal immigrants.\n\nMy paternal grandparents came here legally. Not everyone can trace their relatives from the first settlers, those people are rare.
526435
Just because you are a "permanent resident" does NOT mean you are a citizen. You still do not have the rights that are set aside for citizens of this country. You can not vote either.    Leave your mother where she is!
120896
If I'm not white, they hate me. If I'm from another country they hate me. They don't seem to realize they were immigrants also.
895409
Because there are laws and regulations and background checks that need to be done. I think you need to show that you are an asset to the community, that you are NOT a felon or wanted criminal in your own country.\n\nMoney and influence have nothing to do with it. That's one reason everyone wants to come here...we treat them like humans.
568618
I agree that it sounds kind of racist...as does the census.  I think that we should break down racial barriers and stop identifying people on the basis of their skin color.  Granted, having a heritage is important, but when it comes right down to it, would you not rather simply say that you are an American, instead of trying to separate yourself from the country that you inhabit?  I also believe that calling people [or yourself] "African-American" is designed as a racist term, as about half of the people that I know who came to the U.S. directly from Africa are white and from South Africa.  Yet, this term is generally used to refer to skin color and a history of slavery [which ended about 140 years ago].  In short, multiculturalism is not bad, as long as people remember where it is that they live, and the freedoms granted to them by the government where they live.  Although heritage is important, you should always remember that you define who you are, not whether your ancestors were refugees from Russia, or slaves from Sierra Leon, or immigrants from Italy.  So, perhaps the next time someone asks you what you are, if you have dual citizenship, then say both country names.  But, if you are American, then answer with "I am American."  If they want more details, then say "I am of ____ heritage."
1184598
I don't think that just anyone can go and look up your case with immigration. I think you should contact immigration and ask them about your case.
390101
As far as the immigration issue, I have no problem with anyone wanting to immigrate, but why all of the sneaking over? Does it just take so long to go through all of the red tape or something? Just curious. I didn't see any of the previous postings, but you are completely correct! Unless you are of American-Indian descent, TECHNICALLY none of the rest of our bloodlines originated in what is now the United States! It frustrates and saddens me to see that people are still so ignorant. Even more so when I see them passing these beliefs and attitudes down to their young children! I think there is no greater crime than that! Where did the innocence of youth go? Way to go though. Great topic!
413342
I totally agree. What most people seem to forget is that this country is made up of immigrants. Now, maybe some have already been here longer. But they still had immigrant grandparents, great grandparents, and so on, somewhere down the line.It's just that they forgot now. Or they act like they did. I mean look at what they did to the Native \nAmericans. They just took over like if it was their land. They drove them to the Reservations. I am a proud U.S. Born Citizen, daughter of Mexican immigrants. And I like thousands of others, went out to show my support yesterday in Houston. Because we didn't cross the border, the border crossed us !!!! And for all you others against us >>Remeber the Mayflower ? Maybe one of your ancestors was on it. Do the research.. And if immigrants have to go back, then send them all back. Including those ...
412805
Are u an American-Native (Indian-American) ??? I know everybody has an immigrant background? \n\nIf you are white then you should cause ask your granpa' where he is immigrating from :)\n\nHope I can help / Thank you for using Y!Answers :) hehe.
301311
I'm sorry but your mom sux.She is obviously defensive.If you are of age you can become a citizen on your own.
995144
That's news to me! I am a Lithuanian citizen, but my ethnicity is not recorded in my passport.  Are you sure it is mandatory? I don't think so.
1015272
You didn't say what country you are in...it sometimes varies from country to country...Generally speaking though it does not change your immigration status.
1139443
No-My family have been here before it was a country called  United States of America.\n\nWe invited some. Others we didn't. They came in sneekingly.
104245
Yeah, I would check other and out to side write (of the human race).  Now on the other hand if they want to know about your cultural or ethnic background, that is another story in itself, and even then they should just have a long blank line so that I can fill out my ancestral roots.
604586
An American is an American.  We all have the same rights.  And if akk American is more of that hyphenated-American immigration crap, get over it.  Once you "LEGALLY' live here, you are an AMERICAN, PERIOD.  The name of your previous country is null and void.  It is now your ethnic background, not your nationality! you left there remember??.  If you prefer to be called and akk or what ever, move back to akk or where ever you came from.  You came here for a reason...to become an American.