I was born here and brought by my Algerian immigrant parents. Algeria is in North Africa, so a lot of the people there look white, including me. Algeria is also close to Morroco if that gives you an idea. Also, some of my cousins have really dark skin and it would be obvious that they are minorities if they were to come. I’ve always filled out that I am an “African American” on applications because my parents were born in Africa. But I kind of feel like I’m lying when they see a white girl, who does not look foreign in any way. So, should I write “white” on college applications or what?
@owl16548 Definitely not. You are hurting yourself for no viable reason by saying you are white. Many people like like a race that they aren’t but it doesn’t mean they aren’t that race. You might as well take advantage of affirmative action and being considered a URM if you can. Don’t feel guilty in any way, because both your parents were born in Africa which definitely makes you Algerian. My parents were both born in India and I was born in America but I know I am Indian lol.
Wiki defines African American as “are an ethnic group of Americans (citizens or residents of the United States) with total or partial ancestry from any of the Black racial groups of Africa. The term may also be used to include only those individuals who are descended from enslaved Africans.”
The “African-American” category is dictated by race, not by geography.
The people of Algeria are predominantly Arab-Berber. These people are classified as White/Caucasian.
You look white, because you are are white. It is a** cheat** for you to claim you are African-American.
Nearly all from Algeria are Arabic.
Arabic is a language, not a race.
@lostaccount Arabic is a language, not a race.
Agree that you are white. You might have dual nationality, but you are not a black African. You cannot check the box as anything other than Caucasian. Or leave it blank if you like.
Check White and if possible check the “North African/Middle Eastern” box, and if not specify 'North African/Mahgrebi" or check: Other: White/Maghrebi or: White/Berber, or: White/Amazigh.
You are considered a minority among the “White” group.
If you speak Arabic as a native language alongside English, you’d also specify it on the commonapp.
Also I speak Arabic and wear the hijab, if that helps. The only reason why somebody might say that I look “foreign” is because I wear a scarf.
Wearing a Hijab doesn’t matter to the college (in that it’s a personal choice linked to your faith and says nothing about your academic abilities) but speaking Arabic does, because the US is in desperate need for strong bilingual individuals for Arabic/English (Arabic/English/French is even better, but the BIG one is Arabic/English whereas adding French is just a sprinkle on top.)
While not a “minority” group, you’re minority within “white” and if you speak Arabic AND are willing to take Arabic classes/participate in the college’s Arabic program, it’s close to a hook.
In addition, you could major in whatever you want and add the Critical Flagship distinction at UMD College Park, Michigan State, UOklahoma, UArizona, UT Austin.
Language & clothing have nothing to do with race. A white girl who puts on a kimono is still white.