Issei Naturalization Ceremony – 13.01.008.IMG_JAM.IsseiNaturalizationCeremony.1953.Densho.ddr-densho-113-39

Despite the travails of World War II, many Issei opted to become US citizens once the ban on naturalization was lifted in 1952. This photograph captures the excitement during a mass naturalization ceremony for Issei in Seattle, April 14, 1953.

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The Asian American Studies Center acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and pay our respects to the honuukvetam (ancestors), ‘ahiihirom (elders), and ‘eyoohiinkem (relatives/relations) past, present, and emerging.

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