We, the undersigned, believe in the power of unity and the strength of a shared national identity. The United States is a nation built on diversity, resilience, and the pursuit of equality. While we honor and respect the rich cultural heritages that make up our country, we also recognize that at the core, we are all Americans. 

As a member of the United States Marine Corps, I experienced firsthand the power of eliminating racial distinctions. Within minutes of arriving at Parris Island for Boot Camp, I was stripped of my racial identity. No longer a white man, I was considered green—light green, to be exact, while my brothers in arms who identitied as black were to be considered dark green. This was not a meaningless gesture, but a powerful act to eliminate any room for division based on race, because unity is paramount to the Marine Corps. 

It’s time for our country to embrace the same principle. In a nation as wonderfully diverse as the United States, it’s too easy to focus on what divides us rather than what unites us. Racial identification has been a cornerstone of division; we label each other as white, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and more.  These labels create invisible walls and barriers that damage the social fabric. We need a unifying identity—one that emphasizes that we are all under the same banner of red, white, and blue. We are all Americans.  

We propose that official government documents and classifications reflect this unity by recognizing "American" as the primary national identity for all citizens born in the United States. This initiative is not about erasing heritage or personal identity—it is about fostering a collective sense of belonging and reducing divisions that have historically contributed to inequality and misunderstanding.  

Our goals with this petition are:  

- **To promote unity** by emphasizing our shared American identity.  .

- **To encourage policies** that focus on equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of background.  

- **To reduce racial divisions** that have historically contributed to discrimination and inequality.  

- **To create a future** where every American is recognized first and foremost as an equal member of this nation.  

We acknowledge and celebrate the diverse backgrounds that make our country great, and we encourage all Americans to embrace their heritage freely. However, we believe that by officially recognizing "American" as our unifying identity, we can take a meaningful step toward ending racial division and fostering a stronger, more united nation.  

 

Imagine a country when you fill out an application and  when asked for your race you check the box "American" or you're asked what race you are, and you say "I'm American," and nothing more. Imagine the strength and unity that perspective can bring us as a nation.  

 

We urge policymakers to consider this proposal and take action toward a citizen is recognized as an American first—united in purpose, equal in opportunity, and stronger together.  

For those of you who believe in fostering unity, eliminating barriers, and ensuring that all Americans are seen as one people; bound not by labels, but by shared values, strength, and a commitment to a better future. By signing this petition, you are taking a stand for a nation where every citizen is recognized first and foremost as an !!American!! —equal in opportunity, united in purpose, and stronger together. **Join the movement. Sign now.**