Oyama v. California

Mr. Justice Reed,

with whom Mr. Justice Burton joins,

dissenting.

The Court’s opinion assumes arguendo that the California Alien Land Laws are constitutional. As we read the opinion, it holds that the Alien Land Laws of California, as here applied, discriminate in an unconstitutional manner against an American citizen- — a son born in the United States to resident parents of Japanese nationality. From this holding we dissent.

California, through an exercise of the police power, which. has been repeatedly approved by us,1 has prohibited ownership of land within the state by aliens ineligible for…