> As a first generation immigrant, I’m in no way “just as American” as my wife, whose family settled the west coast in the wagon trails.
I don't know who convinced you of this notion, but it's 100% horseshit. You absolutely are just as much of an American as anyone else living here. America as a country is founded on the contributions of all of the people who moved here. The concept of "nationality" meaning you must have roots here, or that you must look like an "American", is just complete garbage. If you're a citizen, you're an American, and that's all there is to it.
I don't know who convinced you of this notion, but it's 100% horseshit. You absolutely are just as much of an American as anyone else living here. America as a country is founded on the contributions of all of the people who moved here. The concept of "nationality" meaning you must have roots here, or that you must look like an "American", is just complete garbage. If you're a citizen, you're an American, and that's all there is to it.