At first glance. the purpose of the law may appear to be a good one. It is necessary to understand the intent of the law. the history of its application. and its present status. to see clearly why it is an unworthy law. As originally conceived. section 33 was aimed against immigrants from Asia who. under the U.S. Constitution. were "ineligible to U.S. citizenship." In other words. under Federal law they were forced to remain aliens and consequently never could own land in Washington. Since the Japanese in our midst were the largest group of aliens of Asian ancestry. the law had the effect of discriminating primarily against them.
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immigrants