Is the expression "The States" used by Americans when referring to the US?

Does the expression "The States" have any currency in AE when referring to the US, or is it chiefly used by native English speakers from outside?

Solution 1:

We would only use it when comparing the US to something other than the US. We do not refer to our country as "The States" while simply talking about ourselves. We normally use:

• America
• The US
• The United States
• Our specific state (e.g. Texas)

Example usage of the States:

Back in the States we eat our hotdogs with ketchup, relish and mustard.

Compared to the States, Canada is very cold.

That being said, we certainly know what it means. (Unless you are referring to some other country with States. We, uh, don't typically know about things like that.)

Solution 2:

Interview to Ukrains'ka Pravda, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Tefft, US Emb, Kiev Ukr., Dec.28, (2012) 14:52

Have you seen Mr. Kuzmin’s latest interview?
Yes, he says he is going to the States, right?
He says he has been invited to the Prayer Breakfast held by President Barak Obama, and he will apply for a new U.S. visa.

HTH