American by Birth: Wong Kim Ark and the Battle for Citizenship

The 1898 Supreme Court case of Wong Kim Ark established the automatic citizenship of individuals born within the geographic boundaries of the United States, despite the hostile environment faced by Chinese immigrants. This victory was significant for Wong Kim Ark, the ethnic Chinese community, and all immigrant communities.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 304 pages
\n Publication date: 05 June 2021
\n Publisher: University Press of Kansas
\n

American by Birth delves into the rich history and profound legacy of Wong Kim Ark, a prominent figure in American legal history. The 1898 Supreme Court case bearing his name, which established the automatic citizenship of individuals born within the geographic boundaries of the United States, is a testament to his enduring impact.

In the late nineteenth century, much like the present day, the United States presented a challenging and often perilous landscape for people of color. Chinese immigrants, invited into the country in the 1850s and 1860s as laborers and merchants, faced a wave of hostility that manifested in organized private violence, discriminatory state laws, and escalating congressional efforts to restrict immigration and expel long-term residents. The federal courts, supported by the Supreme Court, oversaw the development of an increasingly restrictive and exclusionary immigration regime that targeted Chinese individuals. This was the situation that Wong Kim Ark encountered, born in San Francisco in the 1870s and working as a cook. Like many members of the Chinese community in the American West, he maintained strong ties to China, frequently traveling there to visit family and friends. However, upon his return to the United States after a journey from 1894 to 1895, he was refused entry and detained. Undeterred, Wong Kim Ark protested his citizenship rights, challenging the administrative decision in court.

Remarkably, the Supreme Court granted him a victory, a decision that had far-reaching implications for Wong Kim Ark, the ethnic Chinese community in the United States, and immigrant communities worldwide. Though the principle of automatic citizenship had historical roots in seventeenth-century English common law and had been recognized in the United States prior to the American Civil War, the Supreme Court's ruling in Wong Kim Ark's case was particularly significant. It marked a pivotal moment in the history of immigration law and citizenship in the United States, affirming the principle that birth within the country's borders conferred citizenship regardless of race or ethnicity.

Wong Kim Ark's victory not only secured his right to return home but also had a lasting impact on the broader Asian American community. It served as a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, inspiring generations of immigrants to pursue their dreams and contribute to the fabric of American society. The case also highlighted the need for legal protections and equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their background or origin.

In conclusion, American by Birth is a captivating exploration of Wong Kim Ark's life and the landmark Supreme Court case that bears his name. Through its detailed account, the book sheds light on the historical context and the enduring significance of his victory, highlighting the importance of citizenship, equality, and the pursuit of justice for all individuals.

\n Weight: 604g\n
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 32 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780700631926\n \n