Identity is more than ancestry in the American Southwest

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While Spanish-speaking lineage exists for almost fifty percent of New Mexicans, their self-identification involves a multifaceted blend of social elements, biology, and history. From 'Nuevomexicano' to 'Chicano,' these labels reveal a deep ethnic substructure shaped by centuries of migration and regional pride.

The Hispanos of New Mexico—also known as Nuevomexicanos or New Mexican Hispanics—are an ethnic group with roots stretching back to the 16th century. Their heritage stems mainly from inhabitants of Oasisamerica plus migrants who arrived during the Republic of Mexico, the First Mexican Empire, and the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This distinguishes them from later Mexican American migrants who arrived after the Mexican–American War and the Mexican Revolution. While both groups share Hispanic heritage, they often differ genetically; New Mexicans tend to have stronger ties to Indigenous peoples of the North American Southwest, whereas Mexican Americans are more frequently related to Mesoamerican groups.

Language and culture serve as vital markers of this distinct identity. Many Hispanos speak New Mexican English or New Mexican Spanish, and their cultural expression is tied specifically to the region's unique cuisine, music, and lifestyles, such as Ranchero traditions or Route 66 cruising. In the state of New Mexico, the term 'hispano' is frequently used to differentiate those who settled the area between 1598 and 1848 from more recent arrivals. This distinction highlights a community that views itself as native to the American Southwest rather than just a subset of a broader national identity.

Current research by the University of New Mexico explores how these self-descriptions map onto physical, social, and biological realities. The study examines whether people recognize specific ethnic subgroups within the Spanish-speaking population and how factors like age, intermarriage, and continental ancestry influence those labels. By analyzing DNA samples and blood spots alongside sociocultural data, researchers aim to understand if differences in health or phenotypes are driven by genetics, social environments, or a combination of both.

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