Bruce Lee's Application for Preinvestigation of Status, March 5, 1931
Return Certificate Application Case Files were created during the Chinese Exclusion Act era during investigations of Chinese nationals and American citizens of Chinese ancestry planning trips abroad. These individuals were required to obtain return certificates documenting their legal status at their time of departure in the event they attempted to return to the United States.
One case file relates to martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Born in San Francisco on November 27, 1940, while his family was traveling with the Chinese Opera, Lee’s parents filed for a Return Certificate on his behalf upon their return to Hong Kong in 1941. The ensuing investigation documented his birth and American citizenship, enabling him to return to the United States if he later wished to do so. Lee did return at the age of 18 and grew into the iconic martial artist and film star known across the world.
Return Certificate Application Case File of Chinese Departing -- Bruce Lee (12017/53752). National Archives Identifier: 5720262.
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