This is a common argument, but it is not entirely true. The status and sovereignty of colonies can be complex and depend on a variety of factors. Here are some factors to consider: 1. **International law**: International law generally recognizes that colonies have the right to self-determination when they are liberated or gain independence. This means that the people of the colonies have the right to determine their own political system, including whether to remain a colony or become an independent state. 2. **Colonial status**: Colonies are generally considered to be a temporary arrangement, and the mother country has the responsibility to manage and develop the colony until it can govern itself. Colonial status ends when the mother country abandons its claim to the colony or the colony gains independence. 3. **Length of time**: Just because a colony has been occupied for a long time does not necessarily automatically merge it with the occupying country. International law prioritizes the rights of the colonized people to self-determination and choice over their future rather than the length of time the colony has been occupied. 4. **Incorporation issues**: If a colony is merged with the occupying country, it may result in changes in laws, culture, and institutions that are incompatible with the existing rights and institutions of the colonized people. This can lead to disputes and conflicts. 5. **Historical examples**: There are many examples of colonies that have been occupied for a long time but still maintained their sovereignty or gained independence. For example, Hawaii was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1959, then became the 50th state after a referendum. Some notable examples of colonies that could make choices about their status include: * French Algeria: After a long struggle for liberation, Algeria gained independence in 1962, despite having been a French colony for centuries. * Portuguese Macau: Portugal returned Macau to China in 1999, and Macau became a special administrative region of China, but it enjoys a high degree of autonomy. * U.S. Territories: U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam have been in this status for a long time, but they have not been incorporated into the United States. Instead, they are in the process of debating and working to determine their future status, including possible statehood or independence. In summary, just because a colony has been occupied by a country for a long time does not mean that it should automatically be classified as part of the mother country. International law, colonial status, the right of colonized people to self-determination, and historical context are all important factors that affect the future of a colony.