What is an American?

In reading this post and watching this video,

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100220781806#post31

I was left crying with that young man. He is an American, anyone that struggles, fights and scrapes their way to the United States should be called an American.
They didn't pull the name of a country out of their hat and bingo their way to a better life. They CHOSE AMERICA!
They chose America because of her promise, because of her opportunities, because of the freedoms they can experience here.
Please stop referring to our neighbors, friends, schoolmates, co-workers, husbands, wives, God -parents, babysitters, employees, employers etc... as these people.
They are us, they are not different, they are not a case by case possible exception to the RULES, they are us.
As long as we refer to our fellow Americans , as them, we are excusing the treatment they are experiencing with some justification or other.
This will not stop until every community, every neighborhood embraces the effort and struggle to recognize that there are many many people today who would give anything to have that which we take so comfortably for granted.
I googled just now the question, "What is an American?"
"While citizenship is the legal definition, the idea of "being American" is also associated with shared values, beliefs, and cultural practices"
So many serve us, so many have absolutely zero qualms about starting on the ground floor and earning their way up the ladder of the "American Dream", so many greet their "enemies" with the warmth and smile that is normally reserved for their dearest friends and family. They take the abuse from bigots, racists, people who wouldn't do their work for twice the money and yet complain about jobs being stolen.
This country hasn't changed a bit from the emancipation proclamation and the reason is that our hearts haven't changed.

We all know the reasons why, and we've watched silently for years as the rhetoric has gotten more angry and violent, the confrontations more direct and cruel, and ultimately, that the governments actions only beget situational responses when this entire country should stand up for each other.
Maybe the next march should be in all towns to our city and county offices, our police departments, and to say in no uncertain terms that This Will Not Stand!
"These" are us, I'm disabled,trust me when I tell you that people like me are not far from next, not to be deported, but to be neglected to death, and "These" people will refer to us that are "no longer contributing to society".
Please look into your hearts, and yes I know I'm preaching to the choir, but we can do more, we MUST do more to help our fellow "Americans"
Written with love and urgency,
John Mckusick