Here's why:
* "Spanish" refers to nationality: Someone is Spanish if they are a citizen of Spain.
* "American" refers to nationality or continent: Someone is American if they are a citizen of the United States or live in North or South America.
Instead, you could use terms like:
* American citizen of Spanish descent: This clearly indicates their nationality and ancestry.
* Spanish-American: This is a common term used to describe people of Spanish heritage living in the Americas.
* American with Spanish roots: This emphasizes their connection to Spain.
Ultimately, the best way to describe someone is to be specific and avoid generalizing or using potentially outdated or offensive terms.