Determine Your Nationality: The Case of a Guatemalan-American Sister
Often, questions about one's nationality can be complex and contentious. A recent inquiry asked, "My sister was born in Guatemala and came to America when she was 8. Now she's 19, and she grew up in Alabama. Is her nationality Guatemalan-American or not?" To address this question accurately, it is crucial to understand the nuances of nationality and how it is determined.
Understanding Nationality Based on Birthplace and Citizenship
First and foremost, it is important to clarify the difference between birthplace and nationality. If your sister was born in Guatemala, she automatically holds Guatemalan nationality. However, if she has become a citizen of the United States, she would also hold American nationality.
Legal and Cultural Identity
Your sister's upbringing in Alabama and immersion into American society likely align her more closely with the American cultural and value systems. Despite her Guatemalan heritage, her legal and de facto nationality is American. The United States does not use hyphenated nationalities like "Guatemalan-American"; instead, people who have dual citizenship or those who have become naturalized citizens are referred to as American.
Naturalized Citizenship and Procedural Challenges
The process of gaining American citizenship can be lengthy and often involves significant documentation and legal procedures. If your sister is still in the process of naturalizing, she may retain her Guatemalan nationality until the naturalization process is finalized. The paperwork and requirements for naturalization can indeed be time-consuming, sometimes taking years to complete. It's important to follow the guidelines set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Hyphenated Nationality: A Misconception
The concept of "Guatemalan-American" as a hyphenated nationality is often misunderstood. In many countries, people who have both a birthplace and a new country of residence are often described as having a dual identity or heritage, but not as having a hyphenated nationality. For example, someone born in Brazil and later becoming a naturalized American citizen would be referred to as Brazilian-American, not simply a Brazilian or an American.
Clarifying the Claim "Guatemalans are Right There in America"
The comment suggesting that "Guatemalans are right there in America" refers to the physical presence of Guatemalans in the United States. However, this does not necessarily mean that they hold American nationality. Guatemalans who have not completed the process of naturalization still retain their Guatemalan nationality. In fact, the United States does not recognize the concept of "Guatemalan-American" as a nationality; the term is used more to denote dual heritage or cultural identity.
Legal Document as a Nationality Indicator
For clarity, you can check your sister's passport or other legal documents to discern her current nationality status. Passports are typically the most reliable indicators of a person's current nationality. If she has obtained an American passport, she would be considered an American citizen. However, if she still holds a Guatemalan passport and is in the process of naturalization, she retains her Guatemalan nationality along with the ongoing process to become an American citizen.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Understanding one's nationality can be complex, especially when it involves multiple countries and different legal processes. For detailed information, individuals should consult official sources such as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for naturalization and other legal matters. Legal assistance and consultation with immigration attorneys can also be valuable.