Chief Chaos- Yep, the Spaniards were entrepreneurs in N. O., some still building there under the early U. S. dominion, but they are not really considered in the U. S. Census definition of Hispanics.
Included are Latin Americans and Puerto Ricans (those living in the U. S. but not those in Puerto Rico). But not Brazilians or Portuguese. Complicated, no?
I should have used the term "Latinos," but some Hispanics object. (Now don't say that includes Italians etc. using a Latin-based language. I am using the present on-the-street U. S. understanding of the term- I think).

Extended definition-
"Persons of Hispanic origin were identified by a question that asked for self-identification of the person's origin or descent. Respondants were asked to select their origin (and the origin of other household members) from a "flash card" listing ethnic origins. Persons of Hispanic origin, in particular, were those who indicated that their origin was Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or some other Hispanic origin. It should be noted that persons of Hispanic origin may be of any race." The 'other' lets in Spaniards if they want to be classed with those listed above.

What would the descendents of the old Spanish in Louisiana call themselves? Probably American.