Naturalization

Unlike other immigrants to the United States, Japanese and other Asians were not permitted to become naturalized American citizens until 1952. Under existing laws, naturalization was limited to "free white persons and to aliens of African nativity and to persons of African descent." Despite many attempts by Japanese immigrants (Issei) to gain citizenship, they were usually rejected on the grounds that the Issei were neither white nor black. The 1922 Supreme Court case Ozawa v. U.S. cemented the status of the issei as "aliens ineligible to citizenship" once and for all. It wasn't until 1952 with the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act that Issei were finally allowed to become naturalized U.S. citizens.

Immigration and citizenship (468)
Naturalization (189)

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189 items

doc Harry Matsuoka's certificate of naturalization (ddr-densho-390-31)

Harry's certificate of naturalization with a name change decree typed on the back, changing his name from Tomio to Harry as part of naturalization.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-390-31/

doc Autobiography of Arthur Yakabi (ddr-densho-401-3)

Photocopy of Arthur Yakabi's handwritten autobiography detailing his childhood in Peru, detention in the United States during WWII, and his adulthood in the United States.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-401-3/

doc Naturalization Receipt from Mason County Office Clerk for George M. Yoshihara (ddr-densho-332-53)

was with ddr-densho-332-55 in envelope

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-332-53/

doc U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service response to George M. Yoshihara (ddr-densho-332-55)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-332-55/

doc Naturalization Receipt from U.S. Department of Justice for George M. Yoshihara (ddr-densho-332-54)

was with ddr-densho-332-55 in envelope

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-332-54/

doc George M. Yoshihara Deceleration of Intention (ddr-densho-332-56)

Was with ddr-densho-332-55 in envelope

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-332-56/

doc Katsu Fujii's citizenship course diploma (ddr-densho-433-160)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-160/

doc Notice to appear for filling petition (ddr-densho-433-162)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-162/

doc Citizenship Day program (ddr-densho-433-158)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-158/

doc Rutaro Fujii's certificate of naturalization (ddr-densho-433-167)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-167/

doc Letter from the JACL to the Hayward Union High School Naturalization Class (ddr-densho-433-157)

Frank H. Saito, President of the Eden Township Japanese American Citizens League, writes to the Naturalization Class of Hayward Union High School thanking them for a donation.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-157/

doc Rutaro Fujii's citizenship course diploma (ddr-densho-433-159)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-433-159/

img Identification card (ddr-densho-34-133)

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service issued this identification card after Frank Yoshito Kitamoto became a naturalized citizen of the United States on July 13, 1953.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-34-133/

doc Japanese American Courier Vol. 14, No. 695 (May 10, 1941) (ddr-densho-96-730)

Selected article titles: "Pacific Shipping Reduced Heavily While War Rages" (p. 1), "Pink Tea" (p. 2), "Sports" (p. 3), "New Citizens to Celebrate Their Status at Party" (p. 4)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-96-730/

doc Evidence of Support in Cases of Persons Desiring to Join Relatives or Friends in the United States (ddr-densho-446-269)

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-269/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to American Consul General in Shanghai (ddr-densho-446-276)

Refers to Ai Chih Tsai's May 26 letter regarding the requirement for him to enter the US as an immigrant. Affidavit in support of Ai Chih Tsai

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-276/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to American Consul General in Shanghai (ddr-densho-446-242)

Affidavit in support of Ai Chih Tsai's appeal to return to U.S. with immigration status without qualification.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-242/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-275)

Sorry to learn that Tsai has been delayed in returning home from Shanghai. Enclosed letter to Consul General with offer of further assistance.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-275/

doc Letter from Robert Cashman to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-288)

Letter of support for Ai Chih Tsai's application for entrance into the United States. Chicago Theological Seminary can offer Ai Chih Tsai a position on the clerical staff at $1800/year

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-288/

doc Statement of Support for Ai Chih Tsai [unsigned] (ddr-densho-446-310)

Statement of sponsorship and resources for Ai Chih Tsai so he will not be a public charge in the USA. This was to help him get an immigrant visa to USA. Likely drafted in early Sept before Tsai was granted quota number.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-310/

doc Letter from Ryo Tsai to Albert W. Palmer (ddr-densho-446-281)

Update on Ai Chih Tsai's status and thank you for support

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-281/

doc Letter from H.A. Blundin to Ryo Tsai (ddr-densho-446-306)

Thank you for letter from August 30. UNRRA received cable from UNRRA-Shanghai that a special quota number has been allotted to Ai Chih Tsai and he will be granted a visa by the end of Sept. He should go to American Consulate in Shanghai on September 12, 1947.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-306/

doc Letter from Edward J. Ennis to Ai Thich Tsai (ddr-densho-446-116)

Acknowledges request for assistance in changing alien status. U.S. law offers no way to do this except by complying with naturalization statutes. Recommends contacting Immigration and Naturalization Services Department in Philadelphia.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-116/

doc Letter from Harrison Ray Anderson to Ai Chih Tsai (ddr-densho-446-272)

Anderson will continue to find a way to get Tsai back to US. Perhaps a West Coast church will be available.

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-272/

doc Letter from Gordon K. Chapman to Rev. Sumio Koga (ddr-densho-446-270)

When Ai Chih Tsai was with UNRRA, he was no longer in the US military and was not able to return without a visa. It appears that he needs to secure a job which would lead to a 4-D nonquota visa. What are ACT's abilities to be successful in a pulpit in the US and intentions …

https://ddr.densho.org/ddr-densho-446-270/