When we say "American" among the Chinese communities regardless of nationality, we usually mean the "caucasian american".
Of course, technically, it refers to those who permanently reside in America, legally, to be more precise.
I didn't realize this double standard can be confusing to some, especially the Chinese. But unfortunately, there are those who are too simple minded than I had hoped them not to be. These only listen but their minds process not the information, they never ask questions, they vainly follow the flow of cultures.