When I first thought about what it means to be an American, I thought of what many others think of as well. The naturalization/citizenship test, but I quickly realized I was incredibly incorrect. I don’t think I initially understood how difficult it was to answer this question. What truly makes an American an American? I assumed someone had to have answered this question before and decided for me and the rest of America, hopefully making this essay easier to write. However I stand partially corrected, there are many varying opinions and unfortunately most of the ones I found I don’t agree with. With that I’ve decided it’s up to the interpretation of the individual, besides a few other qualifying it yet potentially contradictory reasons as well. I really didn’t know how to start this essay given the gravity of the question, I’ve decided to start with what I feel an American is and why.
An american is, a human . A human who believes in the constitution, a human who may or may not abide by american laws, an american is someone who was either born on american soil, naturalized to become an american, or a person who lives in america and considers themself as so.
What it means to be an American is to be able to vote every four years for a president, it means you have certain rights, it means Donald J. Trump is your president whether you want him to be or not, it means you belong to an immensely imperfect country, it means you may or may not live in the country, it means you belong to a country with a lot of issues to say the least. It also means you belong to one of the richest countries in the world, but does any of that matter? What it means to be an american is partially up to one’s interpretation of what they are and what an american is.
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I don’t believe that anyone but yourself can tell you what or who you are, yet I also believe that there are certain qualifications that make someone something whether they acknowledge it or not. In the end is it possible for one singular person to really define what makes the people of a country part of said country? Is it anyone’s rightful place to decide and define something so meaningful to so many people. I ask these questions in an essay where I’m supposed to be answering questions instead because I ’m not sure It’s fair that I answer the question. I don’t want to try to define anyone else, or tell them who they are.
With that, I believe an immigrant become an American when they first come here legally. I don’t think a test should define who we are. If you are a hardworking individual who lives in America, helping to improve our nation or your life either or both I think you are an American. The problem is I personally am a very technically yet emotionally run person. I can also be incredibly indecisive. I act on both, the technical side is saying that even if you are here for your whole life and you consider yourself an American. If you haven’t taken the test you’re technically not an American, the emotional side is saying I have no right to say whether someone is an American or not. If they have lived here forever and consider themselves an American or if they consider themselves half American, who am I to tell them they’re wrong.
To explore other’s views I asked our family friend Syed a few questions, he came to America for new opportunities, to become a pilot, to make money and to support his family. He came from Pakistan in December 1986.
I first asked at what point does an immigrant become an American? He said “when they take the citizenship oath” he believes it to be more of an oath than a test. Then I asked him, An immigrant was to come here and live here for about 10 years, they consider themselves an American. Do you agree? He replied “ no, they aren’t American until they legally take the oath for American citizenship to be become an American.” “The oath is everything, taking the oath and becoming a citizen to this country, loyal to this country. Citizenship means nothing until you do that.”
After that I asked my dad, I asked him the same questions as Syed, except I asked him about an immigrant mother coming into America when she’s pregnant to have her baby here.
“ I think they are probably three things I would say make an immigrant an American, first and foremost when you have done all of the legal things the government asks you to do to become a citizen. Whether that is a test or documents because that’s what the law says. The second thing you should do is pledge your allegiance to the American flag, if you want be a part of a country you should pledge your allegiance, if I wanted to be French I’d pledge my allegiance to the French flag. I think the third thing is you have to learn the language and embrace the culture, it doesn’t mean you have to except the culture. I can’t consider myself French if I don’t speak French. You don’t have to be fluent but just embrace it. I shouldn’t expect the French to embrace me if I don’t speak French. I have to learn their language and their culture. Follow the law, comply with the law, pledge the allegiance to the flag, and learn the language and culture. None of those things ever ask you to compromise who you are, change your religion or compromise the culture you bring to America. You should be proud of who you are. Because those differences are what make America special.”
I then asked him the question about an immigrant who considers themselves American but they haven’t taken the test.
“ It’s not for me to believe what they say, if they believe themselves to be an American that doesn’t fit my criteria. There are a lot of immigrants who love this country, who would die for this country, so it’s inappropriate for me to dictate how people feel or to say that they are not an American. It’s not how long you live i that place it’s what you’re willing to do to show that you’re part of this country, just being there means nothing. If I was to come home and to not interact with you or be in your life wouldn’t it be different, yes I would be your father but I wouldn’t be a dad. I feel that you have to earn your titles.”
After that I asked him about the expecting mother. ( I told him she was coming her legally.)
“ Then I’m fine with it, I’m fine with it because she followed the proper process to use the law to her advantage. Which most of us do. If she was here legally I have no issues or problems with that.”
After that I talked with my mom, I asked the same questions as my dad. I did not tell her anyone else’s answer.
“ I believe an immigrant becomes an American when, they get to America and they embrace and accept this culture. What I mean is if they come here legally and they understand, accept, and embrace this culture. I don’t think a test defines you or makes you an American, I think there are many more things that make you American.”
I asked her about the immigrant who has not taken the citizenship test but considers themselves an American.
“Yes.” (As in she agrees they are an American)
Last but not least the question about the mother.
“ I feel that the mother is trying to afford her child a better way of life that’s why she’s coming here, she’s trying to offer her child something she couldn’t outside of the states and trying to give her a chance, if she is here legally I have no problem.”
I believe the interviews gave me a bit of insight, They definitely helped me form my final opinion. In conclusion An immigrant truly becomes an American when they legally are let into this country, and work in this country for at least a year. The other part of that is they must believe they are Americans. If they do all of those things but haven’t technically become a citizen I have no problem calling them an American. Just as long as they call themselves an American. However I believe there are two sides of being an American, if you have just gotten into this country legally and go take the citizenship test as fast as you can and pass. I also believe you are an American, in that case even if you don’t believe you are American you are legally an American therefore I do consider you American.
