During the recent Panamerican Congress in Mexico City, Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez spoke in Spanish, expressing her connection to other nations and languages. As a member of the House of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee, she is influential in shaping critical security policies, yet she embraces her cultural identity.
Ramirez’s story is quite intriguing. She belongs to a growing trend of politicians who view American citizenship somewhat formally. Many in this group are first-generation immigrants, but Ramirez’s background is unique. Born to a mother who illegally crossed the border while pregnant, she was granted birthright citizenship. On paper, she’s American, but in many aspects of her identity, she feels otherwise.
What does it mean to be American?
The ongoing immigration debate pushes Americans to reflect on deeper questions regarding national identity. There’s broad agreement on the need to secure the southern border against illegal entry, but opinions on legal immigration vary significantly. These differing viewpoints often hinge on whether people see the United States as a “propositional country.”
The notion that a sitting lawmaker could identify more with Guatemala than with America seems absurd on the surface, yet it raises questions. It suggests that America is defined by abstract ideals rather than shared heritage. According to this philosophy, anyone who fills out the paperwork and takes an oath should be regarded as American, just like those whose ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War.
However, the reality complicates this idea. People can take offense at core American values or express loyalty to foreign governments while holding office in the U.S. They enjoy First Amendment protections and face no repercussions, which undermines the idea of a “propositional state.”
Non-loyal documents
Although Ramirez is not an immigrant herself, the circumstances of her birth are tied to the existing interpretations of the 14th Amendment. Her mother broke U.S. laws while pregnant, yet this violation led to Ramirez acquiring American legal status and the ability to reject the country that granted it to her. There seems to be no ideological bond, cultural connection, or genuine love for the nation—only the legal documents remain.
Critics of immigration have long warned that newcomers may carry allegiances to foreign lands. While some brushed off these warnings as merely xenophobic, current examples reflect different realities. For instance, Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) referred to Somalia as her “true homeland” and spoke to Somali gatherings in their language, pledging to advocate for their interests.
Similarly, during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles in June, demonstrators brandished Mexican flags, vandalized property, and confronted law enforcement. Among them were many who were U.S. citizens, some born here, openly discussing the “reconquest” of California for Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the rioters as compatriots, urging them to push the U.S. government to alter policies impacting Mexico’s economy. She seems to understand her people’s ties, while many Americans appear oblivious to the complexities behind citizenship.
We need to discuss loyalty
The discourse around American identity promises to persist. Current definitions seem inadequate, and it may require tough discussions to establish new ones. If we can’t candidly explore who belongs in this country and the reasoning behind it, resolving the matter will be impossible.
For now, perhaps we could agree on one fundamental point: individuals who openly express loyalty to other nations should not hold public office in the U.S. The idea that a lawmaker could claim allegiance to Guatemala over America raises serious concerns. Nations that allow this could face dire consequences, actively weakening their own fabric.
Yet, we seem to accept this situation, which, in truth, borders on treason. Documents alone do not define someone’s Americanness. Many who exploit our system recognize this truth—it’s not confusing to them. They are, quite frankly, taking advantage of us. Unless we find the resolve to act, this situation will persist.
Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate where we draw the lines of loyalty.
