AI prompt: On social media today, there is much reference to “heritage American”. What does this mean?
“Heritage Americans”
TL;DR – “Heritage Americans” refer to those who trace much or most of their ancestry to the earliest days of the founding of the United States. The term “heritage American” may sometimes include native Americans and those who were enslaved in the 19th century but is mostly used to describe those of white, European, Protestant backgrounds from the British Isles – going back to at least the 1700s.
The term has been used, at times, by those “on the right” with a negative connotation about those who are not “heritage Americans”. Similarly, some on the left view “heritage Americans” negatively as they are now a minority group in the U.S. population. Worse, some have used the label to imply that a “heritage American” is “more American” than those whose ancestors immigrated more recently.
Unfortunately, like many labels (Generation labels are classic example), the term is used to divide and pit groups against one another.
- As of 2025, it is estimated that 42% of the US population is either an immigrant or the child of an immigrant. In Census terminology, those in this category are referred to as “foreign stock”.
- In 1970, 22% of the US population was “foreign stock”, and 60% of those were linked to Europe and 40% to other parts of the world. Today the majority are from Central and South America, India and China and less than 10% from Europe.
- 15-25% of Americans fit the definition of “heritage American” – see below – this is a shrinking group.
- This shrinkage has occurred for multiple reasons including the crashing fertility rate (hence, native births dropping) simultaneously with a large increase in inbound migration to the U.S.
- Today, those with close immigrant connections greatly outnumber “heritage Americans”.
- This implies “Baby Boom”, “X” and “Millennials” are possibly the last of “heritage American” generations.
Here is a chart with a projection of possible future immigration trends into the United States.
If this projection is accurate, it is possible that 60+% of those in the U.S. will be “foreign stock” – meaning, foreign born or having at least one parent that is foreign born.
As Co-pilot AI puts it:
- In 1970, the foreign stock made up about 22.4% of the U.S. population.
- By 2020, that figure had risen to nearly 39%, reflecting both sustained immigration and the growth of second-generation Americans.
- As of 2025, with 15.8% of the population foreign born, the foreign stock likely exceeds 40%, meaning two in five Americans are either immigrants or the children of immigrants.
- There are several US states where the “foreign stock” accounts for 50% or more of the state’s population. This percentage will increase significantly over the coming 2 decades – and we may see some states with 70+% of their population being “foreign stock”.
| State | Foreign-Born % | Estimated Foreign Stock % | Notes |
| California | ~27% | ~55–60% | Major hubs: LA, SF Bay Area; large second-gen population |
| New York | ~23% | ~50–55% | NYC drives high numbers; diverse origins |
| New Jersey | ~21% | ~45–50% | Dense immigrant communities, especially South Asian and Latino |
| Florida | ~20% | ~40–45% | Strong Cuban, Haitian, and South American presence |
| Texas | ~17% | ~35–40% | Rapid growth in both foreign-born and second-gen |
| Massachusetts | ~17% | ~35–40% | High educational and tech-sector immigration |
| Illinois | ~13% | ~30–35% | Chicago metro drives numbers |
| Washington | ~14% | ~30–35% | Seattle’s tech sector attracts global talent |
| Georgia | ~11% | ~25–30% | Fast-growing immigrant communities in Atlanta |
| Arizona | ~13% | ~25–30% | Border proximity and retirement migration |
| Oregon | ~10% | ~20–25% | Portland and Willamette Valley are key hubs |
| Alabama | ~5% | ~10–15% | Recent growth, but still below national average |
| West Virginia | ~2% | ~5–8% | Among the lowest in the country |
How Common Is This?
My wife’s Dad was born in Canada, her Mom’s Dad was born in Canada, and the father of my neighbor across the street was born in Norway. And that’s from a small sample!
Microsoft Co-Pilot Answer
“Heritage American” is a term that’s gained traction in certain online political circles, especially among segments of the American right. At its core, it refers to present-day Americans who trace their ancestry to the original settlers of the Thirteen Colonies, particularly Anglo-Protestant and Scotch-Irish populations who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries.
🧬 What It Typically Implies
- Colonial ancestry: Descendants of early European settlers, especially those from Britain and Northwestern Europe.
- Cultural continuity: Emphasis on traditional American values, language (English), and Protestant Christianity.
- Nativist undertones: In some contexts, it’s used to distinguish these Americans from more recent immigrants or those who gained citizenship through birthright or naturalization.
⚠️ Why It’s Controversial
- The term can carry exclusionary or nationalist connotations, depending on who’s using it and how. Some critics argue it reflects a desire to define American identity by bloodline rather than shared civic values.
- It’s often associated with online discourse around immigration, national identity, and cultural preservation, and has been linked to the broader MAGA movement.
So if you saw it on social media, it was likely being used either to assert a kind of ancestral legitimacy—or to provoke debate about what it means to be “truly” American.
Grok AI Answer
The term “Heritage American” has gained traction on social media, particularly among conservative and nativist online communities, to describe individuals who trace their ancestry to the early European settlers of the United States, often emphasizing a specific cultural, religious, and linguistic identity. Based on discussions across various platforms and sources, the term is used to evoke a sense of historical and cultural continuity tied to the founding generations of the U.S., but its implications and interpretations vary, often carrying controversial undertones.
Core Meaning
At its core, “Heritage American” refers to people who claim descent from the predominantly Protestant, English-speaking settlers from Northwestern Europe (especially the English, Scots-Irish, Welsh, and Scottish) who established the American colonies from the 17th century through the 19th century. These individuals are often described as the “core ethnic group” that shaped the nation’s early culture, institutions, and identity.
The term emphasizes:
Ancestral Lineage: Descent from early American settlers, particularly those present before significant waves of non-British immigration in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Some definitions focus on those whose families arrived before a certain cutoff, such as the 1870s or earlier.
Cultural Inheritance:
A shared heritage rooted in the English language, Protestant Christianity (often specifically), self-government, and traditional American values like liberty and equality under the law.
Historical Identity:
A connection to the founding era of the United States, often invoking figures like the Pilgrims, Founding Fathers, or pioneers, and a sense of responsibility to preserve this legacy.
For example, one definition from a social media post describes Heritage Americans as “descendants of Protestant, English-speaking, Northwestern European settlers who built America from Jamestown (1607) to about the 1870s,” framing them as the foundational group of the nation’s culture. Another source ties the term to seven specific inheritances: the English language, Christianity, self-government, Christian government, liberty, equality under the law, and a relationship with the land.
Social Media Context
On platforms like X, the term is often used by conservative influencers, nativists, and supporters of the MAGA movement to assert a distinct American identity rooted in historical continuity rather than the idea of a “propositional nation” (where citizenship is based solely on adherence to universal principles like democracy or freedom). It’s frequently invoked in discussions about immigration, national identity, and cultural preservation, often with a nostalgic or defensive tone. For instance, posts and articles highlight “Heritage Americans” as a group whose values and contributions are seen as under threat in modern, multicultural America.
However, the term’s usage can vary:
Pride in Roots: Some use it to express pride in their ancestral connection to America’s founding, celebrating traditions like self-reliance or Protestant ethics without explicitly exclusionary intent.
Nativist Undertones:
Others employ it to draw a line between “original” Americans and newer immigrants, sometimes implying that recent arrivals cannot fully share in this heritage. This has sparked accusations of the term being a euphemism for “white” or a dog whistle for exclusionary nationalism.
Political Weaponization:
The term has been linked to policies and rhetoric associated with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns, where it’s used to prioritize a specific vision of American identity based on ancestry over pluralism.
Controversies and Criticisms
The term is not without controversy, as it raises questions about inclusion, race, and what it means to be American:
Racial Implications: Critics argue that “Heritage American” can function as a coded term for “white,” as it often emphasizes European ancestry while sidelining non-European contributions to the U.S. Some sources note that it risks approximating “racist nativism” by suggesting only certain groups are legitimate citizens. For example, one satirical social media post defined it as “White people with family who arrived in America up to the year my earliest relatives did,” highlighting the term’s potential exclusivity.
Exclusion vs. Inclusion:
The term clashes with America’s pluralistic tradition, which views citizenship as open to anyone who embraces its principles, regardless of ancestry. Critics contend that it marginalizes immigrants and minorities who have adopted American values but may not trace their lineage to early settlers.
Ambiguity and Slipperiness:
The term’s definition is often vague, with debates over whether it’s purely about cultural heritage or tied to ethnicity and race. Some argue that newcomers can adopt the heritage, while others insist it’s tied to generational lineage.
Historical Accuracy:
Critics also point out that America’s founding was more diverse than the term suggests, with contributions from Native Americans, African Americans, and non-English Europeans, challenging the narrative of a singular “Heritage American” identity.
Broader Implications
The rise of “Heritage American” on social media reflects a broader cultural and political divide over American identity. On one hand, it appeals to those who feel that traditional American values are being eroded and seek to reclaim a historical narrative. On the other, it’s seen as a rejection of the U.S. as a nation of immigrants, where identity is tied to shared ideals rather than bloodlines. This tension mirrors historical debates between pluralism and exclusion, as seen in past struggles over citizenship for non-white groups.
Conclusion
“Heritage American” is a term used on social media to describe descendants of early, predominantly Protestant, English-speaking European settlers who shaped the U.S.’s foundational culture. While it’s framed by some as a celebration of historical roots, it’s criticized by others as exclusionary or racially charged, particularly when used to imply superiority over newer Americans. Its meaning remains contested, reflecting ongoing debates about what it means to be American in a diverse, modern nation. For further context, users can explore discussions on platforms like X or articles from sources like POLITICO or The American Conservative, though these should be approached critically due to potential biases.
