After reading and watching the video, I did one giant sigh and eye roll because although the information was shocking I am embarrassed to say I was NOT surprised at all. It’s literally no secret that the United States acts like some high end exclusive club where only the elite are able to enter. And by elite I am literally referring to your traditional white (or white passing) cis men and women. Since its inception as a country (post 13 colonies) it the USA literally acts for lack of a better term “brand new”. Ozawa story also gave me the same feeling of “wow, how am I not surprised” Especially when he when there was mention of the Supreme court identifying “Asian Indians” as Caucasian ( information I was not aware of prior to reading this.) This bit really bothered me because it immediately made me think of the article we read earlier about the model minority and even something similar happening in the Darien school system with integration of more minority students but chosing “Asian” students because the closely resemble white students. Completely associating phenotype with racial categories really have existed as a pillar of power for so long yet it still shocks me that we are still doing this. In hindsight, the united states also seems extremely insecure and paranoid now that I am reflecting on Ozawa’s story. The extensive questionnaire really reminded me of what interrogation was like on Angel Island.
The whole issue of country of origin and naturalization in terms of European immigrants also was interesting to read. Mentioned before in class even with European immigrants there was the social class heirarchy. I’m referring to the Irish immigrants (along with Scotland as well) because of their colonization at the hands of Great Britain (who btw is responsible for 62 independence days ya’ll so let that sink in.) So even if they were eligible for naturalization, social turmoil between different European groups very much still existed. For example between Irish immigrants in comparison to other European immigrants or between polish immigrants and german immigrants because of the occupation of nazi Germany.
I find it funny that people south of the Texas border have so much trouble becoming immigrants but someone from a different continent can become naturalized (Melania, her parents etc). If you are employed and contributing to the US economy, i’m not quite sure why you shouldn’t be eligible for citizenship regardless of skin color, country of origin, religion, etc. If you are paying taxes and your children are enrolled in school and you are making positive contributions, it shouldn’t be difficult. This is what’s so puzzling to me. Majority of the citizens here aren’t indigenous to this land ancestral wise. Many “aliens” “undocumented’ people contribute massively to labor, the work force etc. If by this logic because they are born south of the border or from a different continent than everyones citizenship and their parents should be brought into question hypothetically.
I agree! Its deeply concerning how the distribution of citizenship can be seen as biased. Citizenship shouldn’t be this hard to attain. So many undocumented immigrants contribute to the economy but yet cannot get a green card. The government would rather separate families than give out citizenships that ultimately benefits their economy in the long run.
Hi Nina,
I also agree. Many immigrant; documented or undocumented they all did great contribute to the economy however they still won’t be able to get nationalization and still are force to deport and be separate from families. It should matter on how hard they work.
I agree with your definition of what citizenship means because it is becoming more of an issue thanks to the figures in power. There are many immigrants who work hard and contribute to the economy, but unfortunately other people see them as foreigners and treat them unfairly. In order to build a better nation, people have to help each other and be aware of the individuals they elect in government to see if it best fits the country’s agenda.
Hey Nina!
I couldn’t agree more. Also Britain being responsible for 62 independence days is… oof. Not surprising, but wow, put into perspective like that, it definitely makes me think I would benefit from studying global history in more depth. I also wonder about the majority perception of who should be eligible for citizenship. Undocumented immigrants contribute to taxes (like many other people have said in this DB so far) and I would argue that undertaking the hardships of coming to America and surviving in one of the hardest ways (being undocumented and persecuted by the country you sought out in the first place) displays a great deal of patriotism and loyalty to the “American way”