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Open Access Publications from the University of California

About

Established in 1991, the Asian Pacific American Law Journal (APALJ) is dedicated entirely to Asian Pacific American issues. APALJ is one of only two law journals in the nation that focuses exclusively on the legal issues affecting APA communities. Run by students at the UCLA School of Law, the Journal seeks to facilitate discourse on issues affecting South Asian, Southeast Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States.

APALJ plays an important role by providing a forum for legal scholars, practitioners and students to communicate about emerging concerns specific to Asian Pacific Americans and by disseminating these writings to APA populations. We work hard to continually outreach to the community and initiate discourse on APA issues. The journal welcomes articles from academics and professionals in the field, as well as comments and case notes from law students.

Asian Pacific American Law Journal

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Articles

A Mixed-Race Child's Fate Under the Chinese Exclusion Act: Lawrence Kentwell's Fight for Inclusion in Local Politics and Legal Profession

The infamous Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 ostracized persons of Chinese descent and foreclosed the possibility for Chinese persons who were not born in the United States to obtain naturalization. This Article uncovers the story of Lawrence Klindt Kentwell, a Eurasian of English and Chinese descent who spent his formative years in Hawaii. Because of his Chinese blood, he was excluded from local politics in Hawaii and had no chance at entering the legal profession in the United States. The raw racism he experienced in the United States compelled him to identify strongly with his Chinese roots, leading him to leave his adopted home for good.