Supreme Court Rules Japanese May Not Become Naturalized Citizens, Nov. 13, 1922

Japanese Not Eligible for Naturalization in United States. . . Supreme Court Disposes of the Disputed Point. . . In Decision Handed Down the Highest Tribunal Upholds Section 2169 of Statues. . . Two Cases Covered. . . One Came Up From Hawaii and the Other From State of Washington; In Latter Case Japs Been Naturalized and Firm Sought Incorporation as Realty Firm

Washington, Nov. 13—Japanese are not eligible for naturalization in the United States, it was held today by the supreme court.

In its findings the court disposed of two cases, one brought from Hawaii by Tako Ozawa against the United States, and the other brought by Takuji Yamashita and Charles Hio Koko against the secretary of state of Washington.

In the latter case both Japanese had been naturalized by a certificate of the State of Washington, but were refused incorporation as a real estate firm on the ground that their naturalization had been illegal.

The lower courts denied naturalization in both classes but the ninth circuit court of appeals, in considering the Ozawa case, suspended the decision and asked the supreme court for instructions as to whether Japanese are eligible for citizenship.

The question largely turned upon whether section 2169 of the revised statutes, restricting naturalization to “free white persons” and those of African descent were still in force.

From the Twin City Sentinel, Winston-Salem, N.C., Nov. 13, 1922