Look Tin Eli (1870-1919)
b. Mendocino, California
Look Tin Sing, 21 F. 905 (C.C.D. 1884)
Do You Know? Look Tin Eli (aka Look Tin Sing) was born in Mendocino, California, and was sent to China as a boy to learn Chinese.
What: Look challeneged the court's decision to deny him re-entry into the United States because he was not considered a citizen.
Decision: In this habeas corpus case, the court ruled in favor of Look and affirmed his US citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
Today: Every person who is born in the United States is automatically a citizen, regardless if the parents are citizens or not.
(Portrait by Sze Wa Cheng, SFSU 2019)
LOOK Tin Eli (Cheng SW) Color.pdf150.44 KB
LOOK Tin Eli (Cheng SW) BW.pdf117.58 KB