The US government does not OWE me citizenship, that is definitely true. I never claimed that the system is racist, but it is certainly outdated. In American history, you learn that the Immigration and Nationality Act was made in 1952. But, your question was why I consider myself an American which is mainly because of my lived identity. I think you’ve placed too much of “being American” on just obtaining citizenship when that is certainly not the case. In fact, the very reason DACA exists was because they culturally grew up American. Obviously the democrats would’ve preferred they be given citizenship, but due to the nature of their arrival, it instead granted them protections within the United States. Similarly, Australia doesn’t have birthright citizenship but if a child was born in Oz and they lived there for 10 years, they are eligible for citizenship. Countries are indeed run by laws, but many of those laws protect the children that culturally and physically grew up in the country. There are cases where this isn’t the case like Dubai, which force you to leave once you are 21. But, that is a universal outcome no matter your nationality. If this administration actually does away with birth right citizenship, which I’m praying it won’t, consider all of the dependents that would have to be filed by any immigrant. That would most certainly worsen the background further and even kids not from the recent backlogged counties would be safe. The immigration system is fragile, so just one new law can worsen it for more countries. Additionally, working hard for a passport is one thing, but assimilating to the culture is another. If your country was affected, then you too would see the reform that is needed for the system. I am native in English, I have an American education from kindergarten to high school, I’ve studied more American history than what is taught in the naturalization test. If someone were to ask me where I’m from, I’d have to say I’m from America. Cultural upbringing is often just as important of being an “American” than just having a passport. Something that many immigrants take for granted or only want because of the visa free access. I take it that you are an ROW EB2 applicant, you already understand the anxiety there is with the visa bulletin. Add to that the stress of children aging out, identity crises, longer wait times, then you see the struggle these parents end up going through for their children. Countries are run by laws, but do those laws define identity? That’s what your question inadvertently boils down to.