From the readings and the films, we learn that the criteria for citizenship are about white people and rarely include POC leading to them having to prove that they meet the criteria for citizenship. An example of this was the loyalty questionnaire that Asians had to fill out whereas Europeans didn’t even have to bother. This shows an inherent bias and preference towards Europeans which had blindsided America for years and shows that from the beginning we were truly never the diverse country we tout ourselves to be in today’s modern era.
As for what defines “citizenship” today, I believe it means to be anyone who lives in the US and follows the laws as a law-abiding citizen should. As to what it means to belong here, I usually associate it with living here so having a house and a job. In my opinion, the definition should be a person who lives here and abides by the law. There is plenty of people who fit that criteria yet they’re not citizens when clearly they should be more than other actual citizens of the United States. As to what it means to belong here, it means that you follow the rules and pay taxes just like everyone else.
I have read and thank you for sharing, I feel what you say is very similar to what I thought. I like the way you said about examples like “An example of this was the loyalty questionnaire that Asians had to fill out and Europeans did even have to bother.”
Also adding on to Jericho idea that back then white people have citizenships by controlling what they think is good to this country and making internment camps to contain Japanese American and having them to prove there loyalty to this country by examination them one on one and talking about what they think yes, no and not knowing what’s happening . Not treating them like Americans also view them differently.
There are countless law abiding “aliens” that should be granted citizenship. Even now, obtaining a green card and legal residency is beyond difficult for so many people. The immigration naturalization process is lengthy and expensive. The legal process could take 15 years and even more.
I agree to what you say Jericho, that some people should not be citizens even if they fit that criteria. There should be more people who should be citizens then other people.
Great discussion, Jericho. It’s important to be specific– here, it’s not just Asians who are asked to express loyalty, but the Japanese. Why?