The readings and the film had similar criteria for U.S. citizenship. The common factor for both was really that you had to be a white person. But being a white person wasn’t exactly set in stone. In “Write by Law: The Legal Construction of Race”, Lopez explains how being “white” isn’t something that is concrete. The law had made It that white people were those who were classified as Caucasian because of Ozawa’s defense for his right to be an American citizen. Ozawa made many valid points as to why he should be a citizen, but ultimately it came down to race. His defense was that he had white skin, therefore he was white and was owed citizenship. The court determined that his white skin wasn’t enough to classify him as white since his physical characteristics were not those of a white person. They then made the term “white” synonymous with the word “Caucasian” to combat the defense made by Ozawa and future Japanese people. The Thind came along and claimed that he deserved citizenship, as an Indian American, since Indians were classified as Caucasians. The court once again decided that although he was considered Caucasian, he too did not share the physical attributes that white people do. Therefore, making it that he was not deserving of American Citizenship. The biggest take away from this is that the criteria, during those times, to be an American citizen was to be a white person. Namely a person of European descent. The person also needed to look the part. It wasn’t enough just to share ancestry with Europeans. The criteria were created to benefit white people and only white people. The requirements were constantly altered to avoid having Asians become American citizens.
I believe what makes a person citizen today is totally different. It isn’t based solely on one’s skin color. To me, citizenship today is based on how long one has lived in this country. For example; I have a very good friend who is an undocumented immigrant. This is not his fault, but that of the system which still makes it extremely hard for immigrants to receive citizenship. I consider this man to be an American citizen. He has lived in the U.S. for all but 2 years of his life. He has no recollection of the country which he originally came from. He grew up in this country. He only went to school here. All of his friends he has met here and are mostly citizens themselves. He has never left the country since coming here, which is something I myself have done and I was born a citizen. He works here and has plans to continue living his life in this country. I believe all of this makes this man a citizen. I also believe that many others in this country are in similar situations, therefore making them citizens as well. I think those who want to make a living in this country and contribute to it in a positive should be and are considered citizens. To be a citizen of somewhere means that you are loyal to it. That you are here to improve yourself and continue to improve the land we love. I believe that although in the eyes of the law you are not a citizen, if you share these beliefs, then you too are a citizen. I think the definition of a citizen should be those who love this country, even if the love isn’t reciprocated by the country itself. I think it should mean that you are looking for ways to contribute to society and make it better for all.
