Ethnic Classification: Is Portuguese Considered Hispanic?

So I was filling out the race/ethnicity section on college applications, using my Portuguese background as part of my identity. I've been somewhat confused though, is Portuguese considered Hispanic or not?

The short answer is no, Portuguese ethnicity is not typically classified as Hispanic. When it comes to identifying heritage and ethnicity on college applications in the United States, "Hispanic" is generally used to reference people from Spanish-speaking areas, especially those from Latin America, Spain, and Mexico.

Portugal, however, is a nation in southwestern Europe, and its people speak Portuguese, which is distinctive from Spanish. Thus, Portuguese is more often categorized under the umbrella of "White" or "European" rather than "Hispanic."

This distinction can be a tad confusing due to the linguistic and historic connections between the Iberian countries (Spain and Portugal), and even more so because of the shared history of Spanish and Portuguese colonization in the Americas. However, in the cultural and demographic classifications used in the U.S., Portuguese is not generally considered Hispanic or Latino (a term which often includes people from any Latin American country, regardless of language).

Please remember that these classifications are to help universities understand your cultural heritage, and being true to your individual identity is the most important aspect. If you're Portuguese and feel it's a significant part of your identity, you should definitely include it in your application! You can also discuss your Portuguese ancestry in other parts of your application, such as your essay or additional information section, where you may share more about your cultural heritage and how it’s shaped you.