Chinese Exclusion Act Case File of Anna May Wong, 1924–1939
This document, Form 430: Application of Alleged American Citizen of the Chinese Race for Preinvestigation of Status, is just a small part of Anna May Wong’s Chinese Exclusion Act case file, which includes applications, transcripts of interviews, and correspondence in support of her proving her American citizenship prior to traveling abroad.
Wong Liu Tsong, professionally known as Anna May Wong, overcame discrimination, including being limited to only supporting roles early in her career, to become the first successful Chinese-American actress in the United States. Starring in over 60 films, plus Broadway performances and television shows, she became the first Asian-American woman to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Our office holds Chinese Exclusion Act files created by the Calexico Substation, District 16 (Los Angeles), Port of Los Angeles, Nogales Substation, San Diego Substation, and San Pedro Substation offices of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Anna May Wong travelled across the Canadian border early in her career to film motion pictures on location in Canada. The National Archives at Seattle maintains her Chinese Exclusion Act case file documenting her travel across the border at that time. This file can be viewed at 2011/1-1 Anna May Wong.
Application of Alleged American Citizen of the Chinese Race for Preinvestigation of Status for Anna May Wong, dated April 6, 1939. National Archives Identifier: 243362996.
You can explore more records held in the National Archives at Riverside by searching the National Archives Catalog or by visiting our research room in person. We encourage researchers to contact us to learn more about our holdings or to schedule an appointment.