In general. the United States Supreme Court rested its opinion on the theory that the California law was a violation of the 14th amendment of the United States Constitution. The Court said that the classification of aliens ineligible to citizenship was unreasonable and contravened the 14th amendment. There is some language in the case about the powers of the Federal Government to control the admission. naturalization. and residence of aliens. I will read you this language: Under the Constitution the States are granted no such powers. they can neither add to nor take from the conditions lawfully imposed by Congress upon admission. naturalization. and residence of aliens in the United States or the several States. State laws which impose discriminatory burdens upon the entrance or residence of aliens lawfully within the United States conflict with this constitutionally derived Federal power to regulate immigration. and have accordingly been held invalid. Moreover. Congress. in the enactment of a comprehensive legislative plan for the nationwide control and regulation of immigration and naturalization. has broadly provided: "All persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall have the same right in every State and Territory to make and enforce contracts. to sue. be parties. give evidence. and to the full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of persons and property as is enjoyed by white citizens. and shall be subject to like punishment. pains. penalties. taxes. licenses. and exactions of every kind. and to no other." (16 Stat. 140. 144. 8 U. S. C.. sec. 41. 8 U.
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naturalization immigration