Welcome to Part Six of a seven-part blog series! If you need to catch up, here’s the introduction with links to all the blog posts.
Similar to the return application forms, certificates of identity were developed in response to grievances over prolonged detention at U.S. ports, especially for those presenting legal residence. This was particularly problematic for Hawaiian-born individuals who formed a considerable population on the islands and their inability to freely travel to the U.S. mainland. While adamant that they could not legally compel citizens to join a national registry (like for the Certificates of Residence), immigration officials offered the green Hawaiian Certificates of Identity in 1908, stressing that these served as travel documents, not official citizenship records.
The concept of portable certificates expanded soon after and was issued to Chinese persons of all exempt classes, serving as proof of their legal admission into the U.S. In 1909, the green certificates were replaced by red certificates which were issued to Chinese Americans and Chinese nationals entering any U.S. port. These certificates were not usually given to those residing within U.S. borders, except in certain cases for Hawaiian-born Chinese as travel to the mainland posed additional challenges. Officials ceased issuing the red certificates following the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Acts in 1943.
(top) Green Certificate of Identity number 16, issued to William Kwai-Fong Yap, considered the “Father of the University of Hawaii.” Notably, he was one of few individuals to receive a replacement green certificate. (NAID 1560125); (bottom) Red Certificate of Identity issued to Lee Kim, Case File 2500/39 (NAID 4847341)
Where can I find these certificates?
An almost complete duplicate set of green and red certificates can be found in the series, Duplicate Certificates of Identity, 1908-1943 (NAID 1560125). Original certificates of identity may be found in individual immigration case files. for various reasons. Sometimes, relatives submitted the certificates after the holder's death. In other cases, officials seized certificates believed to be altered, or individuals themselves turned in damaged certificates in order to request replacements.
Because the duplicate set of certificates are arranged numerically, researchers will need to provide the exact certificate number to locate the document. A name index is available for the Hawaiian Green certificates (NAID 1560815). For the red certificates, sometimes, immigration case files may provide clues, such as a signed application and receipt that will include the certificate number, like in this application for Sallie J. Choy.
Application and Receipt for Certificate of Identity for Sallie J. Choy, Case File 14036/72 (NAID 5898182) and Red Certificate of Identity 71638 (NAID 1560125)
Want to learn more? Continue on to Part Seven!