Patrick

@Desert Dweller the clue includes the phrase “for short,” which indicates the answer is a shortened version of a more common phrase. There are plenty of bad entries in this puzzle, that one doesn’t crack the top 5 in terms of obscurity in my opinion.

@Mike I’m guessing it has something to do with meeting/fitting “the criteria,” probably would have been clued as such earlier in the week

@ani “American” is the commonly accepted demonym for someone from the USA, no need to add the US in front. And yes, we’re aware there are two whole continents named after Mr. Vespucci.

@Robin there’s nothing problematic about 62 across. Wanting crossword puzzles to conform completely to your personal worldview is, however, problematic.