1909 Court Case defining who is included in white race. Funny,-- if not also true--, comedian
1909 Court Case defining who is included in white race. Funny,-- if not also true--, comedian
On July 1, 1909, the Naturalization Division started enforcing an original is treading of the law that equated colors and continents: since the white race was European and the yellow race was Asiatic, then only Europeans could be “free white persons.” Turkish applications for naturalization papers in New Orleans were rejected. It was held that their “Asiatic characteristics” had not changed despite living in Europe “and the introduction of them in any large number into the body politic of the United States would constitute an danger.” Jews were an exception, because “they have become Westernized and readily adaptable to Western ideals and standards.” Court decisions were the only way to determine the scope of the meaning "white persons".