Are Naturalized Citizens American Enough?

Yesterday, we celebrated Mebrahtom Keflezighi, known as Meb, as the immigrant of the day when he became the first US citizen since 1982 to win the New York marathon.  Today, the New York Times reports how quickly after the victory an uncommon sports dispute erupted online: Should Meb’s triumph count as an American victory? There is the legal vs. the real definition of “American.” Under the Fourteenth Amendment, naturalized citizens are on equal footing with birth-right citizens. In this case, it is hard to argue that Meb is not also culturally American.  He is a UCLA grad and has lived in the US for 22 years. Interestingly, back in 1982, the last “American” to win the New York marathon was also born abroad — this time a Cuban, Alberto Salazar, who came to the US at age 2. No one questioned his “American badge” then. Some suggest the difference between Meb and Alberto is Meb’s Africanness. Perhaps there is something here.  Obama’s citizenship has also been challenged, and he was born in the US.  But Latino children today face similar hurdles to belonging. Even children born on this country to undocumented parents are to some not “American” enough.

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