I always thought this was where it was all headed. Abolishing birthright citizenship for the non-white and non-rich. And why I am teaching United States v. Wong Kim Ark next week.
Who was Wong Kim Ark?
At this juncture, it is particularly important to remember him. In 1898, as a result of a case successfully brought on behalf of 25-year-old Wong Kim Ark’s right to habeas corpus and to birthright citizenship (he was born and raised in San Francisco) 1/
At this juncture, it is particularly important to remember him. In 1898, as a result of a case successfully brought on behalf of 25-year-old Wong Kim Ark’s right to habeas corpus and to birthright citizenship (he was born and raised in San Francisco) 1/
Wong Kim Ark’s successful case v the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the 14th Amendment’s stipulation that
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” 2/
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” 2/
Wong was born in 1873 and raised in SF to Chinese immigrant parents who, eight years after the passage of the discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, moved back to China. Wong accompanied them ‘back’- but as the only home he ever knew was here, he returned to the US. 3/
Four years later, the now 21yo Wong Kim Ark, set off to visit his parents again -but upon return in 1895, he was detained and denied entry at US Customs.
Wong fought vigorously. The young cook challenged the government’s refusal to recognize his birthright citizenship. 4/
Wong fought vigorously. The young cook challenged the government’s refusal to recognize his birthright citizenship. 4/
The vital importance of immigrants to a democracy is not just as cheap labor, population replenishment, or conveyors of culture, capital, & skills (‘good immigrants’) but bc immigrants fight for -and model for the rest of us–the right to have rights.
Thank you, Wong Kim Ark. 5/5
Thank you, Wong Kim Ark. 5/5
