[cricket]

To me, a Mexican national would be a legal Mexican citizen. Not that it matters, that's just the way I read it.

You would think. . .but then; why not just say he was/lived. . .traveling from. . . Mexico. Or as you offer; just say. . .Mexican 'Citizen'.

What IS with the 'national'. . .save only to obscure, perhaps.. .

[strategofr]

"why not just say . .Mexican 'Citizen'."

"Mexican national" is the more common phrase to use in an international context.

[1rudeboy]

The use of the term "national" has been customary for quite some time.

[baa39]

It's the P.C. way of saying "NOT an American citizen, not in America legally". "Illegal alien" has such a nasty ring to it, don't you think, and "National" has such a dignified sound it makes a good euphemism.....ha ha.

[monday]

"What IS with the 'national'. . .save only to obscure, perhaps.. ."

That is the standard way to identify foreign citizens. Besides, illegal aliens can rarely afford vacations to Honolulu. If they could they wouldn't need to be illegal aliens. They would get their US residency the old fashioned way. Pay lawyers lots and lots of money.