Citizenship Wanted, but Denied: The Racial Prerequisite Cases and Their Role in Institutionalizing Racism Against Asians. Issue 6 (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Misco, Thomas; Bennett-Kinne, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Social studies. Volume 112:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 291
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Citizenship -- race -- racial prerequisite cases; History -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Sciences sociales -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Histoire -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; 300.71
• DOI: 10.1080/00377996.2021.1929053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0037-7996

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores the racial prerequisite cases, which were dubious court decisions that attempted to rationalize pseudo- scientific evidence and common knowledge as reasons for who could and could not be considered for, and who was ultimately denied, U.S. citizenship. These cases are historical antecedents of the current anti-Asian racism that has become even more pronounced as a result of COVID-19. Social studies educators can leverage these court cases to teach about controversial and relevant issues that connect to current immigration and citizenship policies, as well as provide historical context for contemporary discussions about race and racism.