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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: University Press of Kansas

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 19th century, much like the present day, the United States presented a challenging and often perilous landscape for individuals of color. Chinese immigrants, initially welcomed in the 1850s and 1860s as laborers and merchants, faced a surge 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 establishment of an increasingly restrictive and exclusionary immigration regime that targeted Chinese people. This was the reality faced by Wong Kim Ark, a cook born in San Francisco in the 1870s, who maintained strong ties to China. Like many members of the Chinese community in the American West, he traveled to China multiple times, carrying the necessary reentry documents. However, upon his return to the United States following 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. To his astonishment, the Supreme Court granted him a resounding victory.

This triumph held immense significance for Wong Kim Ark, the ethnic Chinese community in the United States, and for all immigrant communities throughout history. While the principle of automatic citizenship had its roots in seventeenth-century English common law and had been in practice in the United States prior to the American Civil War, the Supreme Court's ruling was particularly noteworthy due to its impact. It not only solidified the rights of immigrants but also paved the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the United States.

Wong Kim Ark's story serves as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs faced by immigrants throughout American history. His determination to assert his citizenship rights and his unwavering commitment to the American dream continue to inspire generations of immigrants and advocates for social justice. The 1898 Supreme Court case that bears his name remains a landmark decision that has shaped the legal landscape of the United States and has helped to build a more inclusive and diverse society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780700634217