If you're born here but your parents are from overseas, can you consider yourself an Australian?

Question

I may not be those "pure" Australians but I am proud to live in this country. I just sometimes ask myself whether or not I can consider myself an Australian because my parents are born overseas.

Answer 1

did your parents register you as australian? you can consider yourself an australian national if you hold legal documents to prove that you are australian. that's all it takes

Answer 2

You can consider yourself an Australian - but, as someone said - you are what culture YOU identify with.

I was NOT born here but I definitely consider myself an Australian.

G'day to you.

Answer 3

Of course you can :D

Answer 4

If you aren't Aboriginal, the difference between one generation and 10 generations is not a lot in the scheme of things.  Of course you are Australian.  As far as I am concerned, if they are committed to the country, your parents are probably Australian too.

Answer 5

Sure. Like Tim said, you are the culture you identify with most. If you're proud to live in Australia and would like to consider yourself an Aussie, then you are an Aussie. :)

Answer 6

Of course you are Australian, you were born here.

Answer 7

You're as pure an Australian as the rest of us Dan. But remember to be equally proud of your heritage. Cheers!

Answer 8

Yes.

I didn't realise that there was a definition of what a 'pure' Australian was.

Answer 9

Unlike some European countries Australia tends to be of the view that if you are born here then you are Australian.

Even to the point that if your hearts here or you were raised here then  you are Australian.

There is nothing wrong with  honouring your heritage colour of skin shape of eyes or length/shape of a nose only shows heritage not whether your Aussie or not.

Answer 10

Yes!

We are a mix of different cultures in one. This unique mix IS the definition of "Australian".

As far as I'm concerned, don't matter where or when you join us in this land. As long as a person is open to adapt, integrate, respect and work to contribute to this country, to make a positive difference like everyone else here, you are as Australian as anyone else.

Those who abuse the generosity of our system, from overseas OR born here, are the ones to be careful of.... But that's a different topic altogether..

Answer 11

of course. plus, it depends how u feel in your heart.

im 100% italian but i consider myself an aussie.

you know what they say? Follow your heart...

Answer 12

Absolutely you are an Australian! I think anyone who was born here and does not consider themselves Australian has alot to think about.

Having parents from overseas is almost exactly what it is to be australian.. MULTICULTURAL!! I'd say 70% of the australian people i know have parents from another country.

Answer 13

yep, definetly

that's me

but i'm a 2nd generation migrant

Answer 14

If you are born here you are Australian of (Spanish,Greek.Italian etc, dependent upon where your parents were born) descent

Answer 15

If you are an Australian citizen and embrace this country, love it, and protect the Australian way of life.

You are definitely Australian.

And people born here after 1986 were no longer automatically Australian citizens, they were only citizens by birth if either one of their parents was a citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth.

I have a friend who is ethnic Chinese, Malaysian national, Australian PR, but identifies with Australia, and calls herself Aussie, though, officially, she isn't.

Answer 16

Yes you can.

In my opinion, being an Aussie is what's in your heart and not where you're born.

I'm just glad we don't do the American thing of labelling people eg. Italian/American etc.

Here we're all Australians first but proud of our heritage.

If you want to feel like a "real" Australian go to the Dawn Service, in your area, on ANZAC Day.

You'll see people from all races and creeds, all "real" Australians, but also very proud of their own individual heritage.

It's worth getting out of bed for.

Answer 17

I am you are we are Australian

Answer 18

You are the culture you identify with most. If you've lived your whole life in Australia and are proud to say that, then I'd say you're Australian. But don't forget your heritage, either! That might be part of what makes you you.

Answer 19

If you are born on American soil you are an American of Australian ancestry.

Answer 20

well my dads greek but i was born here so of corse