Lecture Notes: Bhagat Singh Thind and the U.S. Supreme Court Case

Introduction

• Bhagat Singh Thind: A high caste Hindu from Punjab, India.
• US Supreme Court Case (1923): Thind argued for his classification as white to obtain US citizenship.
• Naturalization Restrictions: Citizenship limited to white people and those of African ancestry.
• Broader Themes: White supremacy and citizenship in America.

Historical Background

• Immigration Wave (1900-1920): Over 14.5 million immigrants, including 8,000 South Asians, arrived in the US.
• Population Context: South Asians were a tiny fraction of the US population of 92 million.
• Anti-Asian Sentiment: South Asians faced prejudice as part of a perceived Asiatic invasion.
• Legal Barriers (1917): Indian and most Asian immigration banned.

Citizenship and Naturalization

• Significance of Citizenship: Essential for social/economic rights; without it, immigrants faced restrictions and vulnerabilities.
• Naturalization Act: Initially restricted to free white people, later amended for African descent.
• Legal Precedents: European immigrants faced less scrutiny; Asian immigrants had significant challenges.

Case of Bhagat Singh Thind

• Military Service: Enlisted and received temporary citizenship, later revoked.
• Naturalization Attempts: Success in lower courts but challenged by the Department of Justice.
• Supreme Court Case (1923): Final chance to claim whiteness and citizenship.
• Arguments Presented: Claimed racial purity and Aryan ancestry.

Supreme Court's Decision

• Rejection of Arguments: Scientific racism rejected; racial appearance emphasized.
• Consequences: Indians deemed "Asiatic" and ineligible for citizenship.
• Impact: Over 70 naturalized Indians lost citizenship; social and economic turmoil followed.

Broader Impact and Legacy

• Revocation Effects: Other groups, like Mexicans and Afghans, faced similar revocations.
• Immigration Act of 1924: Further restricted immigration based on racial lines.
• Thind's Later Life: Finally gained citizenship in 1935, earned PhD, and lectured.

The Bagai Family

• Vaishnav Das Bagai: Family faced devastation post-Thind ruling.
• Kala Bagai: Persevered, became a community leader, and became a citizen in 1946.

Modern Reflections

• Racial Issues in Immigration: Continues to be a major political issue.
• Ongoing Citizenship Challenges: Millions have faced citizenship revocation over the years.
• Cultural Identity: Immigrants balance belonging with cultural identity.
• Legacy of Courage: South Asians and other immigrants show resilience in seeking the American dream.