Selena Gomez, a proud Mexican-American, has always been open about the profound impact her heritage and family’s sacrifices have had on her life and career. Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena’s roots run deep into the Mexican soil.
Her paternal grandparents, Ricardo and Mary Gomez, emigrated from Mexico, carrying with them the grit, hope, and determination that would set the stage for her eventual success. Her grandmother, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and her great-grandmother, who came from Monterrey, Nuevo León, crossed into the U.S. decades ago with a dream and little else. Selena’s father, Ricardo Joel Gomez, was born soon after their arrival, and Selena often credits her family’s bravery for her opportunities as a U.S. citizen.
Family, Culture, and Activism: Selena Gomez’s Mexican-American Journey
Selena Gomez is a proud Mexican-American, with her ethnicity rooted in her father’s Mexican heritage—her paternal grandparents immigrated from Guadalajara and Monterrey before settling in Texas. Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Selena’s nationality is American, but she deeply embraces her Mexican roots and occasionally speaks Spanish to honor her culture. Her family story reflects resoluteness, with her father, Ricardo Gomez, carrying their Mexican legacy, while her mother, Mandy Teefey, adds European (Italian) descent to Selena’s rich heritage.
Growing up, Selena was surrounded by strong, determined women who instilled in her the importance of hard work and cultural pride. Her family didn’t change her distinctly Latina name when she entered the entertainment industry as a child star—a subtle yet powerful declaration of identity. This connection to her heritage has remained constant, even as she rose to international fame. Whether she’s speaking Spanish in films like Emilia Pérez or preparing tamales on her cooking show Selena + Chef, Selena wears her Mexican roots like a badge of honor.
Her activism reflects the depth of her connection to her family’s story. Selena has been vocal about immigration issues, a cause close to her heart because of her family’s history. In 2019, she produced the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented, which shed light on the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants in the United States. Selena didn’t just produce the series; she shared her own family’s experiences in a heartfelt essay for Time magazine.
She wrote about her aunt’s harrowing journey in the back of a truck in the 1970s, the first of her family to cross the border. Her grandparents followed soon after, a dangerous and uncertain journey that eventually led to her father’s birth in Texas. Selena acknowledged that her life could have been drastically different without their sacrifices and the “grace of circumstance.”
The immigration crisis is an issue that continues to weigh heavily on her. In January 2025, Selena posted—and quickly deleted—a tearful video on Instagram following a new wave of aggressive ICE raids under President Donald Trump’s administration. “All my people are getting attacked, the children,” she said through sobs, her voice cracking with emotion. The video was captioned simply, “I’m sorry,” accompanied by a Mexican flag emoji.
Over 950 people had been arrested in just one day during the raids, the highest number since Trump returned to office. Selena’s pain was palpable. “I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do,” she said, promising to try everything in her power. In another since-deleted post, she lamented, “Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people.”
These posts, even though they didn’t stay up for long, showed just how deeply Selena feels connected to her community and how frustrated she is with the political situation. The raids hit close to home, reminding her of the struggles her grandparents went through, along with millions of others. Her tears weren’t just for them—they were for all the families going through the same pain right now.
Selena Gomez: Amplifying Voices, Breaking Barriers, and Embracing Heritage
Selena Gomez sobs uncontrollably amid ramped up deportations of illegal aliens:
“I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.”
“My people?” Aren’t you American?
Where was the sobbing over the 100,000 Americans… pic.twitter.com/wvtoeRVQUw
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) January 27, 2025
Selena’s commitment to advocacy is far from performative. Beyond her documentary work, she has used her platform to amplify the voices of undocumented immigrants and challenge stereotypes. During a video for Define American, she reflected on her family’s journey and its broader significance.
“When my family came here from Mexico, they took the first step in my American story,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of the third generation of Mexican-Americans, and my family’s journey and sacrifices have helped me get to where I am today.” Her message resonated deeply with young Latinos, encouraging them to take pride in their heritage and the stories of perseverance that shaped their families.
Even as Selena has become a global star, she has remained grounded in her identity. Her pride in her Mexican roots shone brightly during the 2025 awards season when her film Emilia Pérez won a Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy. The movie, in which she acted entirely in Spanish, was a personal triumph for Selena, who saw it as a tribute to her grandmother and great-grandmother.
Speaking to the Mexican media outlet Ventaneando, she shared, “I personally understand what my grandmother and great-grandmother went through, coming to this country alone. I’ve been surrounded by incredible women all my life, and I love representing that part of me because so much of what I do is predominantly in English.”
Selena’s passion extends to her creative work. In Living Undocumented, she described crying while watching the stories of the families featured, knowing their experiences mirrored her own family’s past. In her personal life, she has embraced her culture in ways big and small, from sharing memories of family meals to speaking openly about the challenges and joys of being a Mexican-American woman in Hollywood.
Through it all, Selena has been unflinching in her dedication to her people. Whether she’s advocating for immigration reform, pointing at the sacrifices of her ancestors, or bringing a piece of her culture to the screen, Selena Gomez displays the pride, determination, and heart of her heritage. She is, as she once said, “a proud daughter of immigrants,” and her story showcases the strength of those who came before her—and the legacy she continues to build.
