Throughline By Accident of Birth
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Jun 9, 2022 Julie Su, an attorney and fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Carol Nackenoff, a Richter Professor Emerita, dive deep into the compelling story of Wong Kim Ark. They discuss his tumultuous return from China in 1895, where he was unjustly denied entry despite being born in the U.S. The conversation reveals the historical struggle against the Chinese Exclusion Act and the pivotal Supreme Court case that followed. Together, they reflect on the ongoing debates surrounding birthright citizenship and the profound implications for American identity and civil rights.
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Scapegoating Chinese Immigrants
- Post-Civil War economic downturn led to the scapegoating of Chinese immigrants for job losses.
- This false narrative, promoted by politicians and media, fueled anti-Chinese sentiment.
The Chinese Exclusion Act
- The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 barred Chinese laborers from entering or naturalizing in the U.S.
- This act created a racial distinction, marking a significant shift in immigration law.
Barriers to Assimilation
- Laws and social conventions, not lack of willingness, hindered Chinese assimilation in the U.S.
- These barriers reinforced the perception of Chinese immigrants as outsiders.
