<p>But is the census definition really what’s at issue here? I don’t think anyone would deny that those of Mayan ancestory (including those who ordinarily identify as Mexican or Chicano/a) are Native American. Likewise those who identify as Puerto Rican who are Taino/a. </p>
<p>But for US college admissions, the NA option is listed to identify AmerIndians (soverign NA nations w/i US borders) for whom some LACs/unis have special programs - - and hence the secondary questions regarding enrollment/registration. Isn’t OP’s friend considering NA in addition to Latino/HIspanic, at least in part, for the potential admissions boost?</p>