- From the readings and film, what do we learn about the criteria for citizenship? Who was allowed to be a citizen or belong to the U.S. and what was required?
From the readings and film we have learned about the criteria for citizenship that it never favors POC, and POC often have to prove themselves to be considered citizens in the US. Asian immigrants would have to prove their loyalty to the US, whereas European immigrants were easily able to gain citizenship. In ‘Ozawa and Thind’, Owaza had to assimilate himself fully into the American culture while detaching himself from his Japanese culture in order to prove his loyalty to America and gain citizenship.
- What do you think defines “citizenship” today– by this, I mean not just the legal definition but also the social definition. Who is considered to be a part of the U.S.? What does it mean to belong here? What should be the definition, in your opinion?
In my opinion I think anyone who lives here, works, pay taxes, abides by the laws should be considered a citizen, and race or ethnicity shouldn’t matter. Many people here do all of the above and aren’t able to gain citizenship, which I don’t think is fair at all.
Hey Sundas,
I agree with your opinion and it seems everybody else in their discussion board. It is not fair and unfortunately, it seems that is how things will be for the rest of the time until the future leaders of America step up. Finally, so many rules of America are so outdated so they should change it and this most especially includes the citizenship test and its criteria.