Can mules wander freely in America? (5,3)

I believe the answer is:

uncle sam

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'freely in america?' is the definition.
'uncle sam' can be an answer for 'america?' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'freely in' bit.

'can mules wander' is the wordplay.
'wander' indicates an anagram.
'can'+'mules'='canmules'
'canmules' with letters rearranged gives 'UNCLE SAM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for uncle sam that I've seen before include "Avuncular appellation for USA" , "Federal government" , "'Relative in the US Government (5,3)'" , "Embodiment of the USA" , "Iconic male relative for America" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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